Stefan Stambolov
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A statue of Stefan N. Stambolov in his birthplace Veliko Turnovo |
Stefan Nikolov Stambolov (
Bulgarian:
Стефан Николов Стамболов) (
January 31,
1854 -
July 6,
1895) was a Bulgarian
revolutionary and
statesman. He is considered as one of the most important and popular "Founders of Modern
Bulgaria" and is sometimes referred to as "the Bulgarian
Bismarck".
He was born in
Veliko Turnovo. His education started in his home town, but he later studied in the
Odessa Seminary between
1870 and
1872. Stambolov's father took part in the "
Velchova Zavera" (
1835) works with
Captain Nikola Filipovski (
1853). Stambolov himself grew up among revolutionists like
Hristo Ivanov "Knigovezetza", father
Mathei Preobrazhenski - Mitkaloto,
Hristo Karaminkov "Buneto". He took part in all actions for political independence in the
1870s - he joined the
Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee (BRCC). After the death of the founder of BRCC
Vassil Levski, Stambolov was chosen as his successor. He was the leader of the unsuccessful uprising in
Stara Zagora (
1875) and the Turnovo revolutionary committee in the great uprising of April (
1876).
Stambolov was involved in the political discussions as early as the time of the first Bulgarian parliament - "The
Founding Subranie" of
1879. After
1880 he became the vice-chairman and later the chairman of the
Narodno Subranie (the Bulgarian parliament). For a relatively long period he was the
Prime Minister of the country (
1887 -
1894). He helped the Union of Bulgaria and
Eastern Rumelia (
1885). In
1886, when pro-Russian officers staged a coup d'etat against the Bulgarian prince
Alexander Battenberg, Stambolov directed the successful counter coup d'etat. The prince, however, could not remain on the throne without the approval of the Russian emperor
Alexander III and had to leave the country. Stambolov was a nationalist; as a politician, he strengthened the diplomacy of the country, its economy, and the general political power of the state. He crushed Russia's numerous attempts to overthrow the Bulgarian government and install a puppet like regime and confronted
Ferdinand's intrigues (after Ferdinand succeeded Alexander Batenberg), as a result he was attacked and slayed by his political enemies, led by Ferdinand in
Sofia on
July 3,
1895. He died three days later.
Stambolov is the only Bulgarian politician to realize that the so-called liberation of Bulgaria is an attempt of Czarist Russia to turn Bulgaria into its protectorate. His policy is determined to preserve Bulgarian independence from the Russian aggression. The times of his leadership are characterized with the transformation of Bulgaria from an Ottoman province into a modern European state.
Stambolov takes into account the need to inflame Bulgarian nationalism in Macedonia which is still under Ottoman control. Stambolov establishes close connections with the Sultan in order to enliven Bulgarian national spirit in Macedonia and oppose Greek and Serbian propaganda which is supported by Russia. Due to Stambolov's tactics the Sultan recognizes Bulgarians as the predominant peoples in Macedonia and gives a green light to the creation of strong church and cultural institutions. Stambolov negotiates loans with Western European countries in order to develop the military strength of Bulgaria and create a modern army which could successfully complete the goal of national unification with the support of Bulgarian national uprising in Macedonia.
His approach toward Western Europe is of diplomatic maneuvering for the best of National interest. He understands the interests of the Austrian empire in Macedonia and warns his diplomats never to trust it. His domestic policy is distinguished by the defeat of terrorist groups sponsored by Russia, the crush of criminal groups and the measures taken to promote rapid economical, educational and cultural development and create modern army.
Stambolov realizes that only a strong politically, militarily and economically Bulgaria could bring the process of unification successfully to an end. Stambolov maps out the political course which turns Bulgaria into a regional power.
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An article about Stefan Stambolov
