Welcome to “Bulgaria Today” on Thursday, March 3.

On March 3, Bulgarians marks Bulgaria’s National Day, the signing of the San Stefano Peace Treaty and the Liberation of Bulgaria from five centuries of Ottoman rule. On our podcast today, we have a special programme dedicated to March 3, with a focus on history and Bulgarian music in the spirit of the day. 

First, we will go back to the period of 1877-1878 and photographic icons of the Russo-Turkish War as we bring you an interview with artistic photographer Ivo Hadzhimishev who has dedicated decades to the search for photographs of Bulgaria’s Liberation struggle in various archives. 

Also, a stroll around several Bulgarian cities as we revisit monuments erected in gratitude for the heroism of the soldiers who gave their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom. 

At the end of the programme, we will listen to a song that became the symbol of the awakening of a nation – where art thou, faithful love of the people.

Stay tuned!

• 01’56 - Photographic icons of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878
  
  
• 08’08 - The Monuments of Bulgarian liberty
  
  
• 17’07 - Song of the Day: The Philip Koutev National Folk Ensemble with a national tour