Stara Zagora Uprising
 The Banner of the Stara Zagora Uprising, citing "Death or Freedom" | |
 Map Showing the movements of the Rebels in the Stara Zagora Uprising | |
| Native name | Старозагорското Възстание |
|---|---|
| Date | 1875 |
| Outcome | Failed Attempt, lead to the April Uprising |
The Stara Zagora Uprising was an attempt by the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee to organize an armed uprising in Bulgaria in 1875 in order to overthrow the Ottoman Empire.
Organization and regions
On the 12 August 1875, the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee or BRCC, made the decision to prepare the entire people of Bulgaria for an Uprising. Five regions were distributed - Ruse-Shumen, Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven and Lovech-Troyan. The capital location of the Uprising was chosen to be Stara Zagora, hence the name. The leader of the Stara Zagora Uprising and region was Stefan Stambolov, who is considered one of the founders of Modern post-Ottoman Bulgaria. Some members of the committee, however, did not entirely agree on the proper timing of the Uprising and wanted to wait.[1]
Because of this disunion of opinions, on 16 September in Stara Zagora, not enough rebels gathered to support the cause. Some of the rebels hid or left the country, whereas others were chased by the Turks, such as the brothers Mihail and Georgi Zhekov.[2]
Simultaneous uprisings
The Stara Zagora Uprising was widespread in the villages around Stara Zagora. More than 800 people joined the rebellion in 6 large rural groups of rebels. Some of them started joining the rebels of the city. Heavy battles were led in the area of Elhovo, Samuilovo and Obruchishte. The rebel groups of Stefan Chifutov (105 people) and Rusi Bakardzhiyata (120 people) fight the battle with the Turks near Elhovo.[3][4]
Simultaneously with the Stara Zagora Uprising, there are Uprisings in Shumen and Ruse. There are two small rebel groups which later disband when the news of the failed uprising reach them.[5]
The Stara Zagora Uprising serves as a check of the rebel strength and readiness to give way for the liberation through the April Uprising in 1876 which would eventually capture the attention of the Great Powers.
After the Uprising has been dispersed, the Ottoman authorities impose serious penalties. More than 600 people are arrested and punished with death and other forms of torture.[6]
Notable participants
- Ivan Vladikov
- Kolyo Ganchev
- Stefan Stambolov
- Ivan Hadzhidimitrov
- Gospodin Mihaylovski
- Hristo Shikirov
- Rusi Argov
- Nikola Raynov
- Zahari Stoyanov
References
- ^ "Старозагорското въстание 1875 г. – прелюдия към свободата | Регионален исторически музей - Стара Загора". www.rimstz.eu. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
- ^ "Защо Старозагорското въстание завършва с неуспех". www.desant.net. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
- ^ "Чета на Руси Бакърджията". Войводи (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 2021-04-21.
- ^ divident.eu. "Днес се покланяме пред делото на Кольо Ганчев". Divident.EU - Новини Стара Загора, актуална информация (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 2021-04-21.
- ^ "Старозагорското въстание 1875 г. – Долап БГ" (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 2021-04-21.
- ^ "Старозагорското въстание, трагичният опит от който никой не си взе поука". politika.bg. Retrieved 2021-04-21.