Monument of Unification: A Symbol of Bulgarian Unity

The Monument of Unification, located in the heart of Plovdiv, stands as a powerful symbol of Bulgarian unity and resilience. Created in 1985 by sculptor Velichko Minekov, it marks the 100th anniversary of the unification of Eastern Rumelia and the Principality of Bulgaria. This unification, which took place on September 6, 1885, is a pivotal moment in Bulgarian history, demonstrating the nation's determination to direct its own destiny. Before the unification, the Treaty of Berlin in 1878 had divided Bulgaria into two parts after the Russo-Turkish War: the Principality of Bulgaria with its capital in Sofia, and Eastern Rumelia, an autonomous province within the Ottoman Empire, with Plovdiv as its capital. The monument depicts the Motherland holding a laurel wreath of victory, with wings symbolizing the two united parts of Bulgaria. The monument serves as a gathering place and a backdrop for cultural events, especially on September 6th, Bulgaria's Unification Day and the Day of Plovdiv. The square also features the former Regional Assembly of Eastern Rumelia, now a museum dedicated to the Unification.