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

Young Bulgarian singer Valeria Stoyanova writes new song entitled "Fiction"

Valeria Stoyanova is still a student at the National Music School in Sofia, but despite her young age, she already has solid stage experience alongside renowned performers.  An important role is played by celebrated Bulgarian pop singer Vasil..

published on 2/21/25 3:45 PM

Vienna Strauss Philharmonie Orchestra performs in Burgas

The audience in Burgas will be able to enjoy a concert by the Vienna Strauss Philharmonie Orchestra at the Cultural Center. The event is scheduled for today at 7:00 p.m., BNR Burgas reported. The orchestra was founded in 2014 by the creator of the..

published on 2/21/25 6:35 AM

Papi Hans and his fresh new hit

After a series of ballads, Papi Hans presents " Rabotyaga " - a surprising track from his album "Colors of Sadness". The sound and rhythm are characteristic of the 80s and in the video to the song we see the impressive dance skills..

published on 2/20/25 11:04 AM