Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Repatriated to Bulgaria 76 Years After Death

The remains of Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Bulgaria's first king after five centuries of Ottoman rule, have been repatriated from Germany, 76 years after his death. This significant event took place on Wednesday, marking a momentous occasion in Bulgarian history.

This event marks a significant moment in Bulgarian history, allowing the country to reflect on its past and honor a monarch who played a pivotal role in its development and modernization. The repatriation of Ferdinand's remains may also lead to a reevaluation of his legacy and impact on Bulgaria's modern identity.

Ferdinand's coffin was transported from Coburg, Germany, to Sofia, Bulgaria, on a military plane. It was then carried in a funeral procession to the Vrana Palace on the outskirts of Sofia, where it was welcomed by members of the royal family, including his grandson, former exiled child king Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Simeon, who returned to Bulgaria in 2000, paid tribute to his grandfather, stating, "The due homage will be paid to a head of state... who, despite contradictory interpretations of certain moments of his reign, gave much to... the modernisation of our country."

Ferdinand reigned from 1887 to 1918 and is credited with modernizing Bulgaria's military, urban planning, education, and agriculture. He proclaimed Bulgaria's independence in 1908, transforming the country into a European state. However, his legacy is controversial on account of Bulgaria's losses in the Second Balkan War of 1913 and World War I, which led to his abdication in 1918.

After abdicating, Ferdinand lived in exile in Coburg, Bavaria, until his death in 1948 at the age of 87. His remains were kept in a coffin next to his parents' sarcophagi in the crypt of the Saint Augustin church in Coburg, awaiting repatriation to Bulgaria, which was his last wish.

The repatriation ceremony was attended by officials and ordinary Bulgarians who came to pay their respects. The coffin was draped in the old flag of the Kingdom of Bulgaria and carried by members of the National Guard. A funeral service was held at the Vrana Palace, where Ferdinand's remains will be laid to rest in the family crypt in a private ceremony.

Historian Petar Stoyanovich remarked, *"This return signifies, at long last, a responsibility towards history. "* Another attendee, Yana Vassileva, a 70-year-old historian, commented, *"Ferdinand is one of Bulgaria's great kings. It's a pity that his merits are overlooked in school curricula."*

Ferdinand's repatriation is a significant event in Bulgarian history, allowing the country to honor a monarch who played a pivotal role in its development and modernization. His final resting place in the family mausoleum at the Vrana Palace fulfills his last wish and marks a moment of historical reflection for the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's remains repatriated to Bulgaria 76 years after death.
• He was Bulgaria's first king after 5 centuries of Ottoman rule (1887-1918).
• Ferdinand modernized Bulgaria's military, urban planning, education, and agriculture.
• He proclaimed Bulgaria's independence in 1908, transforming it into a European state.
• Remains laid to rest in Vrana Palace, fulfilling his last wish.