A nation or non-sovereign country celebrates its freedom on a set day known as National Day. The date of this country’s independence, or any notable event related to a ruler or saint can represent its nationhood. Although the day isn’t officially designated as a “National Day,” it functions as one.

It will frequently be a national holiday on the National Day. September 22nd is a day of pride and celebration for several countries around the world. These countries have fought hard for their independence, and this day commemorates their triumph over colonial rule or oppressive regimes.

Let’s delve into the stories behind the Independence Days of these countries:

THE NATION – BULGARIA

Bulgaria declared its independence in writing in the Holy Forty Martyrs Church in Tarnovo. Bulgaria gained international recognition when Ferdinand elevated it from a principality to a kingdom as part of the declaration. With an homage to former Bulgarian nations, Ferdinand adopted the title of “tsar,” which outside of Bulgaria meant “king”. They would be prepared to take on the Ottoman Empire in the First Balkan War of 1912–1913 and join the Balkan League. Bulgaria commemorates one of the most important occasions in recent memory on September 22.

One of the oldest states in Europe, Bulgaria, proclaimed its independence on this day in 1908. Thirty years have passed since the conclusion of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 with the signing of the San Stefano peace treaty on March 3, 1878. And so, after 500 years under Ottoman domination, Bulgaria was once again marked on the European map.

On September 22, 1908, in the Veliko Tarnovo, a manifesto, the Bulgarian King Ferdinand declares Bulgaria’s independence. By doing this, the final vassal relations with the Ottoman Empire were essentially repudiated. The Principality of Bulgaria became an autonomous state headed by Crown King Ferdinand. Porte (Turkey), and eventually the Great Powers, recognised Bulgarian independence legally.

The same day after Bulgaria declared its independence, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia, and Greece united with the unrecognised Cretan State (1913). By spring 1909, Bulgaria’s independence gained worldwide recognition due to the two nations’ combined breach of the Treaty of Berlin and their strong support from other European nations. Bulgaria took over the Oriental Railway Company’s lines and the taxes in Eastern Rumelia, although the Ottoman Empire made no demands for money from them. Russia revoked the Ottomans’ obligation to pay forty years’ worth of indemnity for the 1877–1878 war.

THE NATION – MALI

Located in West Africa, Mali, or formally the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country. Stretching across an area of more than 1,241,238 square kilometres (479,245 sq mi), it ranks as the sixth largest country in Africa. Algeria borders the nation on the north, Niger borders it on the east, Mauritania borders it on the northwest, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast border it on the south, and Guinea and Senegal border it on the west.

Mali has 24,478,595 people living there, 47.19% of whom are expected to be under 15 in 2024. Bamako is its largest and capital city. Although French is frequently used as a lingua franca, Bambara is the most widely spoken of the 13 official languages. On June 20, 1960, the Mali Federation separated from France. August 1960 saw Senegal withdraw from the federation, allowing the Sudanese Republic to become the independent Republic of Mali on September 22, 1960, which is currently celebrated as the nation’s Independence Day.

The first president to be elected was Modibo Keïta. He immediately instituted widespread nationalisation of economic resources, adopted an independent socialist ideology with strong linkages to Africa, and built a one-party state. Mali’s population was estimated to be 4.1 million in 1960. After a steady economic downturn, Moussa Traoré launched a bloodless military coup on November 19, 1968, which is now observed as Liberation Day, to topple the Keïta administration.

These countries, united by their shared experiences of struggle and triumph, celebrate their Independence Days as a testament to their resilience and determination. Through their celebrations, they honor the sacrifices of those who fought for their freedom and look forward to a brighter future.