The Emancipation of the Bulgarian Church

The emancipation of the Bulgarian Church came before the political liberation of the country. While the political freedom of Bulgaria was influenced by foreign powers, the liberation of the national Church from the Greek patriarchate was entirely the work of dedicated Bulgarians. Their persistent efforts succeeded in 1870, when the Bulgarian Exarchate was officially established in Constantinople. This was a major step in preserving the Bulgarian language, culture, and national identity.

The Rise of a New Generation

While older and more conservative Bulgarians sought safety in religious independence, a new generation demanded more. Young Bulgarians, inspired by the hope of full freedom, began emigrating to neighboring countries, especially Romania. There, they formed organizations and prepared rebellions against Ottoman rule. These efforts were part of a wider movement in the Balkans, where Greeks, Romanians, and Serbians had already regained independence.

Rebellion and European Intervention

By 1875–1876, events in the Balkans attracted the attention of European powers. An uprising in Herzegovina coincided with the assassination of French and German consuls at Salonica by Muslim fanatics. At the same time, a revolt in the Bulgarian Sandjak of Philippopolis was brutally suppressed by Ottoman forces, resulting in widespread massacres. The horrors were reported across Europe, with British politician Gladstone voicing the outrage of the continent. Serbia, seeing an opportunity to secure its independence, sent its army across the Ottoman frontier City Tours Istanbul.

The Constantinople Conference

These disturbances forced the Great Powers to convene a conference in Constantinople from December 11–23, 1876. This conference was a historic moment for Bulgaria. For the first time, the name “Bulgaria” appeared in official international diplomacy. The conference also outlined the preliminary organization of the future Principality, laying the foundation for Bulgaria’s eventual political independence.

The period between the emancipation of the Church and the political liberation shows how Bulgarians combined spiritual leadership, national consciousness, and revolutionary energy to prepare for freedom. The Church acted as a beacon of national identity, while young patriots abroad organized and inspired the movement that would lead to the creation of modern Bulgaria.