2024-09-05 18:55:30
The author is the sculptor Velichko Minekov
Two wings of a bird – the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia, symbolizes the monument in honor of the Unification, which stands on the square of the same name in Plovdiv. And this year, the state elite will gather near it to honor the 139th anniversary of the great event.
“Just as a bird cannot fly with one wing, so young Bulgaria cannot exist divided”, the sculptor Velichko Minekov explained his idea before receiving carte blanche from the then city and party leadership to sculpt the monument.
He added to the arguments that the beautiful maiden who rises in the middle of the composition, holding a wreath, symbolizes the young state.
The monument was opened in 1985 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the announcement of the historical act. The ribbon was cut by the then state and party leader Todor Zhivkov. Like any monument, this one was met with displeasure. Minekov had to explain what he wanted to portray.
The decision was submitted to the District Committee of the BKP for implementation, and from there the machine turned at full speed. There was no competition for an author’s decision. The production was assigned directly to Minekov.
The monument and the square around it were completed in three months. The momentous event has come. People gathered, the militia cordoned off the area, everything was under control.
Zhivkov appeared and shouted: “Where are you, Velichko?”. Everyone froze, there was a terrible commotion.
“Ah, Velichko, you have made a great monument!” said Dad and everyone took a breath.
Celebrations are also held in the neighboring town of Saedinenie, where the monument rises 15 meters high.