On March 3, Bulgaria officially celebrates the Day of Liberation from Ottoman rule.

142 years ago, on March 3, 1878, the war between the Russian and Ottoman Empires ended, during which Russia sought to free the Slavic peoples of the Balkans from foreign domination. In several battles, the Russian army achieved a significant victory over the Ottomans. However, instead of liberating Constantinople, the Russians were forced to begin negotiations due to the threat of England entering the war on the side of the enemy if the Russians entered the city.

Alexander II instructed Ambassador Count Ignatiev to secure the most favorable terms for Russia in the negotiations, which he successfully accomplished by signing the peace treaty on March 3. The Ottomans were initially reluctant to agree to the terms that granted freedom to the Slavs, but after a demonstrative order from the Russian troops to advance on Constantinople with banners unfurled and a band playing, they quickly signed the treaty on Russia's terms.

As a result of the war, Russia regained the southern part of Bessarabia and annexed the Kars region, populated by Christians, and also granted freedom to the Slavic peoples of the Balkans. In gratitude for this, over 400 monuments to the Russian army were erected in Bulgaria, as well as to Alexander II and Count Ignatiev, who is still remembered and referred to as Count Bulgarov. There is no city in the country without a street named in his honor.

This is truly a national Bulgarian and pan-Slavic holiday of liberation! Happy holiday, dear friends! Eternal memory and undying glory to the heroes of the liberation war!