From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians"

After Bulgaria was cruelly divided after the Treaty of Berlin, the people could not accept that the freedom so expected was not a fact for everyone. On September 6, 1885, the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia declared to the world that Bulgaria was a single state. The unification took place after a number of riots in various cities of Eastern Rumelia. On September 6, with the support of the ruler Prince Alexander I, the unification became a fact.

Already in the spring of 1885 in Plovdiv, which at that time remained within the borders of Eastern Rumelia, the Bulgarian Secret Central Revolutionary Committee was formed, headed by Zahari Stoyanov. Active propaganda for unification began: publications in the press, demonstrations in the streets. During the celebration of the anniversary of the death of Hadji Dimitar, a large-scale event was held in Buzludzha village. It was attended by many people from both Eastern Rumelia and the Principality.

Folklore collection "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians"

The Act of Unification was planned for early September, and during this period the militia was mobilized. Prince Alexander I assured Dimitar Rizov and Sava Mutkurov of his support at the meeting in Shumen in the last days of August.

Due to an unforeseen rebellion that broke out in Panagyurishte on September 2 and fearing that the plan would be thwarted by other fragmented rebellions, the leaders decided to accelerate their initiative and rebel groups were sent to Plovdiv. On September 4, under the leadership of Chardafon, the rebels declared the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia. Russia, represented by its representative in Plovdiv, did not support the unification. On the night of September 6, several hundred rebels, commanded by Danail Nikolaev, established control over Plovdiv and removed the appointed governor-general Gavril Krastevich. A general mobilization was declared and a provisional government was formed.

The act of unification caused the Serbian-Bulgarian War to break out very soon, as neighboring Serbia supported Russia, which was against it. On November 2, 1885, Serbia attacked Sofia. The battles lasted only three days, but the Bulgarian army achieved an unprecedented, stunning success at Slivnitsa and on November 5-7, victory was ours. After the end of the war and because of the support of Prince Alexander I, Bulgaria reached an agreement with the Ottoman Empire. It stated that the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia had a common government, parliament, administration and army. They also had a common ruler, the Bulgarian prince, who was formally appointed by the Sultan as the governor-general of the region for Eastern Rumelia. The unification received international recognition after the Treaty of Bucharest of February 19, in which our country restored its pre-war border with Serbia.

© 2026 Iliana Dechkova