Sofia's 22nd Septemvri Street may not be one of the major arteries of the capital, but its name is certainly significant in Bulgarian history. On that date, the Bulgarian people celebrate the country's Independence Day.

Even though Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1878, after the Russian-Turkish War, the treaties of San Stefano, and especially that of Berlin (1878), changed the borders of the newly independent state and left its southern half as a province of the Empire.

This only limited very slightly the independent actions of Bulgaria, and there was strong desire in the principality for complete independence. Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha on several occasions addressed the courts of Russia and Austria on the matter, but was advised to wait. The Turkish Revolution of July 1908 furnished an opportunity.

On September 22, 1908, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha formally proclaimed Bulgaria's independence in the state's capital of Turnovo (now known as Veliko Turnovo, in northern Bulgaria). The decision was to confront Europe with an irreversible fact, since it was an act of defiance toward Turkey and an infraction of the Treaty of Berlin, to which all the powers were parties.

This led to a period of acute tension, marked at times by considerable military preparation between Bulgaria and Turkey, and to complicated negotiations. In the first phase of this negotiation, Russia supported Turkey in a decided manner; Germany pursued a rather equivocal course; and France and England used their influence at Constantinople to prevent war. In the second and final phase, Russia, changing its attitude, contributed in large measure to facilitate a financial transaction that paved the way for a settlement.

The attitude of these powers indicated that they would consent to modify the Treaty of Berlin whenever Bulgaria and Turkey reconciled their differences, but that the independence of Bulgaria could not be recognized until this had been done.

The main obstacles, however, to an adjustment between Bulgaria and Turkey were sentimental and financial. Turkey, at an early date, indicated willingness to recognize the independence of Bulgaria upon the payment of a sum of money of an amount to be determined. Turkey also demanded that the sum to be paid included the arrears of tribute and a share of the Ottoman debt. The amount demanded was placed at a high figure.

Bulgaria replied that it would not buy its independence, but would conquer it. So, the two states continued with their military preparations.

At a crucial moment, Russia came forward with a plan which quickly paved the way to a solution. This plan gave Turkey, as compensation for claims of all sorts, a sum amounting to 125 million francs - the exact amount claimed by the Turks - while Bulgaria was willing to pay only 82 million francs. Payment was to be made by way of a reduction in the instalments on the sums due to Russia from Turkey by the Treaty of Berlin. Russia, in turn, agreed to accept from Bulgaria the sum of 82 million francs.

Turkey, therefore, signed a convention at Constantinople on April 9, 1909, recognizing the independence of Bulgaria. Recognition from the other European powers promptly followed.

September 22 was announced an official holiday by a decision of the National Assembly on September 10, 1998 - 90 years after the proclamation of independence.