The team of the “United Avant-garde Artist” and “Youth Development Center-Vzaimopomosht” associations, on the eve of June 2nd – Botev Day, made an Egyptian youth feel the spirit of this event. Here is what he wrote afterward:

A Morning of Remembrance: Honoring Hristo Botev at Rosarium Park

At 10:00 AM on a peaceful morning in Kazanlak's Rosarium Park, a striking bust

monument of the Bulgarian hero Hristo Botev stands proudly. The monument

inscription marks his brief life span from January 6, 1848, to June 1, 1876.

Botev is widely celebrated as one of Bulgaria most prominent national heroes, a

brilliant journalist and passionate revolutionary thinker who dedicated his life to

the struggle for Bulgaria liberation.

He is also considered one of the greatest literary figures in Bulgarian history,

writing powerful, patriotic poetry that captured the struggles of his people. His

most famous poem is "Hadzhi Dimitar". This is also the exact quote inscribed on

the front of the monument in last photo:

"Тоз, който падне в бой за свобода, той не умира: него жалеят земя и небо,

звяр и природа и певци песни за него пеят…& quot;

(He who falls in battle fighting for freedom, he does not die: the earth and sky,

beast and nature mourn him, and minstrels sing of him in their songs…)

Botev did not just write about revolution; he actively led it. In the spring of

1876, to support the fight of the April Uprising, Botev organized a detachment

of over 200 Bulgarian rebel exiles. In a famous move, he and his men boarded an

Austro-Hungarian passenger ship called the Radetzky disguised as ordinary

gardeners, commandeering the vessel to reach the Bulgarian shore and join the

rebellion. Specifically, they landed on the Bulgarian shore of the Danube River

near the town of Kozloduy, and from there began their harsh march inland to

face the Ottoman forces.

During these engagements, most notably the fierce battle at Milin Kamak and

the final stand around Mount Okolchitsa, Botev's rebels fought against both

regular Ottoman soldiers and irregular troops (bashi-bazouks), killing many of

them in open battle.

On June 1, 1876, Botev was fatally shot in the chest by a sniper near Mount

Okolchitsa. He died in battle at the young age of 28, solidifying his legacy as a

national martyr.

Because of his sacrifice and enduring literary legacy, Botev is treated with

immense historical respect. During the commemorative gathering, many of the

people and youths in the crowd can be seen respectfully kneeling together on

the ground.

The solemnity of the morning tribute is brought to life by two guards dressed

in traditional, vibrant red uniforms. They stand at respectful attention right

beside the flower-covered monument.

Through this beautiful display of unity and quiet reverence, the community

ensures that Hristo Botev’s ultimate sacrifice for Bulgaria freedom will

continue to inspire generations to come.

Marwan ElKhawaga