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 Assembly" 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 regime. He confronted Ferdinand's intrigues (after Ferdinand succeeded Alexander Batenberg) and, 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.

[edit] Assessment

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 politically, militarily and economically strong Bulgaria could bring the process of unification successfully to its end. Stambolov maps out the political course which turns Bulgaria into a regional power.