During the Turkish domination, up until the political emancipation of Bulgaria on February 19, 1878, schools were run mainly by national religious communities. Despite the challenges posed by the Turkish authorities and the Greek Church, which had spiritual control over Bulgarian communities until 1872, organized schools continued to exist throughout the country.
These schools often had very limited resources, relying only on private donations and church foundations for funding. Yet, they educated many Bulgarians who later became leaders in the struggle for religious and political freedom. These individuals, when the country gained independence, played key roles as politicians, officials, and educators, helping to build the young Bulgarian state.
Focus on Public Instruction After Emancipation
After the Russo-Turkish War, one of the first priorities of the new Bulgarian authorities was the reorganisation of public education. In Eastern Roumelia, schools were placed under the Direction of Public Instruction, while in Northern Bulgaria, a special Ministry of Public Instruction was created Istanbul Tours.
Primary education was made compulsory for all children, both boys and girls. In Southern Bulgaria, this was regulated by the “Provisional Regulations” published by Governor-General Prince Alexander Bogoridi. In the Principality of Bulgaria, Article 78 of the Constitution confirmed that elementary education is obligatory for all inhabitants.
Reorganisation of Schools
Once the Direction of Public Instruction and the Ministry of Public Instruction were established, they immediately began reforming the school system. Special laws were passed in 1880, covering both primary and secondary education, aiming to standardize the curriculum and improve the quality of teaching.
When Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia united, the educational laws of Eastern Roumelia were repealed, and the Principality’s laws, regulations, and educational programs were applied uniformly across the entire country. This ensured consistent education standards and helped integrate the two regions into a single national system.
Despite centuries of foreign domination and limited resources, Bulgaria maintained organized schools. After independence, the government made education a national priority, introducing compulsory schooling, reforming the curriculum, and creating a modern and unified educational system to support the development of the country and its citizens.