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147 years since the liberation of Sofia

Photo: BTA

The fighting for Sofia within the framework of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) began on December 25, 1877. On January 3, 1878, the city's commandant Osman Nuri Pasha began to withdraw from Sofia. 

His plans to set the city on fire were thwarted with the help of the foreign diplomats who remained in the city - the French consul Leandre le Gay and the Italian consul - Vittorio Positano. 

Leandre le Gay and Vittorio Positano
Leandre le Gay and Vittorio Positano

Russian troops under the command of Gen. Yosif Gurko entered the city on January 4, 1878. The Russian troops were welcomed by the Sofia citizens at Koru Cheshme Square (today's St. Nedelya Square), recalls the Regional History Museum - Sofia. 
The citizens of Sofia welcome General Gurko and his liberator troops (etching, 1878)
The citizens of Sofia welcome General Gurko and his liberator troops (etching, 1878)

On the occasion of the anniversary, today at 12:00 in Northern Park (entrance from the Svoboda residential area, Narodni Buditeli Street) in Sofia, the historical reenactment "The Liberation of Sofia" will be held, the Sofia Municipality announced.


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