Czar Samuel’s Remains Return to Bulgaria After Decades
At a Glance
- The remains of Bulgaria’s medieval ruler Czar Samuel returns from Greece.
- The handover follows decades of negotiations between the neighboring countries.
- Bulgaria received the remains with full state honors in Sofia.
- The agreement also involves returning religious relics to Greece.
The remains of a medieval Bulgarian ruler returned home from Greece, marking a new development in the two countries’ long-running discussions over historical heritage.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Historical Memory: “These are items that belong to both our peoples; they constitute our memory and our bond.” — Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.
- Bilateral Relations: “If in the past Czar Samuel divided us, I can say that today he unites us.” — Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.
- Focus Area: The transfer is part of a broader cultural heritage agreement involving historical remains and religious artifacts connected to the two countries.
The remains arrived in Sofia on Saturday aboard a Bulgarian military aircraft after being kept at Thessaloniki’s Museum of Byzantine Civilization.
Czar Samuel ruled a medieval Bulgarian kingdom that fought the Byzantine Empire during a period of prolonged conflict. He was defeated by Byzantine forces and died in 1014.
The remains were discovered about six decades ago in a Greek border area. Their return follows years of negotiations between Bulgarian and Greek authorities.
Upon arrival in Sofia, the remains received a formal state reception. A fighter jet escort, a 21-gun salute, and a procession to the Church of St. Sophia were held, where members of the public were able to pay their respects.
Heritage Agreement
The handover follows an agreement reached earlier this week by the culture ministers of Bulgaria and Greece. Under the arrangement, Bulgaria will return religious relics that were taken from Greek monasteries during World War I.
The agreement has faced criticism from several Greek academics and religious leaders, who have questioned whether the Bulgarian side's commitments are sufficient.
Bulgarian and Greek leaders attended the ceremony preceding the handover in Thessaloniki, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.
Greece Links Handover to Parthenon Marbles
Mitsotakis said the ceremony could support Greece’s campaign to secure the return of the Parthenon Marbles, which were removed from the Acropolis and are held by the British Museum.
He argued that international attitudes toward the protection and return of cultural heritage are changing and said historical monuments should not be treated as wartime spoils.
FYI
Czar Samuel ruled from the late 10th century until his death in 1014, during a period when Bulgarian forces were engaged in prolonged wars with the Byzantine Empire. His reign remains closely associated with Bulgaria’s medieval history and national historical identity.
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