Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

"Where art thou, faithful love of the people"

The story of this song goes back to Bulgaria’s struggle for independence of the Ottoman Empire. It was created by Dobri Chintulov, teacher, poet and composer of the Bulgarian Revival period, who worked for the enlightenment and national self-awareness of his compatriots. Graduate of the Theological Seminary in Odessa, he was an advocate for national and church freedom.

Dobri Chintulov wrote the lyrics of the song "Kude si, vyarna ti lyubov narodna" ("Where art thou, faithful love of the people") while he was in Odessa. The tune, however, was probably the melody of another song, popular at the time, but whose title is now forgotten. Forgotten is the last word one can say about "Kude si vyarna ti lyubov narodna". The song became a symbol of the awakening of a nation. An awakening that started from a "spark of love" and turned into a "raging flame".


Together with “Stani, stani yunak balkanski” ("Wake up, wake up, Balkan hero"), “Viatar echi, Balkan stene” ("Wind is howling, Balkan is moaning") and several other revolutionary songs by Dobri Chintulov, it raised the spirit of the Bulgarian patriots during the April Uprising (1876) and the Russo-Turkish War that brought the Liberation of Bulgaria (1878-1879).

Photos: archive



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

"Sama" is the debut single of Maria Mateev and the KOYANGI band

Maria Mateev presents her band KOYANGI and their debut single "Sama". The song tells about the battles with oneself and the fear that each of us experiences at a certain stage of our lives. After more than a decade in South..

published on 4/24/25 11:01 AM

Funeral Mass for Pope Francis to be held in Sofia on 28 April

A special book of condolence was opened today at the Apostolic Nunciature in Sofia following the passing of Pope Francis.  “He knew how to engage in dialogue with people of our time with simplicity and sincerity, always seeking that which unites us..

published on 4/23/25 3:46 PM

130 years since the birth of unforgettable Gyurga Pindzhurova

On April 18, exactly 130 years ago, Bulgarian opera and folk singer Gyurga Pindzhurova was born in the town of Tran. Having sung her mother's songs since childhood, Gyurga Pindzhurova began studying at the State Music School in Sofia in 1917 with..

published on 4/18/25 11:05 AM