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National Museum of Military History in Sofia opens an exposition, dedicated to the Russo-Turkish war a day after March 3

Photo: National Museum of Military History

A day after the National Day of Bulgaria - March 3, the National Museum of Military History in Sofia opened the exhibition "Worthy for Freedom", dedicated to the thousands of Bulgarians who fought for the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878).

The exhibits bring us back to the events of 144 years ago, to recall the heroism of dozens of volunteers who took part in the battles of Stara Zagora, Shipka and Sheinovo, as well as the role of the volunteer battalions, medical aid and translationin the war.

The exhibits include a revolver and a pocket watch of the priest Petar Draganov, who blessed the Samara Flag. Other remarkable artifacts are a sabre, a rifle, an archive and insignia of the chief doctor of the Bulgarian Volunteers, Dr. Konstantin Bonev. Also on display is the symbolic key of the monument on Mount Shipka, presented to Tsar Boris III at the opening of the monument, as well as the only surviving flag of a Bulgarian volunteer detachment in the war. The exhibition can be viewed until 30 June 2022.

Among the exhibits are a revolver and a pocket watch of the priest Petar Draganov, who blessed the Samara flag. Other notable artifacts are a sabre, a rifle, an archive and insignia of the chief doctor of the Bulgarian Volunteers, Dr. Konstantin Bonev. Also on display is the symbolic key of the monument on Mount Shipka, presented to Tsar Boris III at the inauguration of the monument, as well as the only surviving flag of a Bulgarian volunteer unit in the war. The exhibition can be viewed until 30 June 2022.

For the first time in years, the doors of the National Museum of Military History remained closed on the National Day of Bulgaria, on which Bulgarians pay tribute to the liberators who fought in the Russo-Turkish War, including the Russian army. The decision was made in solidarity with Ukraine and as a reminder that in a situation like today, how we make sense of history and learn from the lessons of the past is of utmost importance. 

Compilation: Vesela Krusteva

English: Elizabeth Radkova




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