485 Years

On March 3, 1878, the Treaty of San Stefano was signed, liberating Bulgaria from nearly five centuries of Ottoman oppression and putting Bulgaria back on the political map (for those keeping score, the Turks ruled Bulgaria from 1393 to 1878 ... that's 485 years). In recognition of their emancipation (of sorts), Bulgarians celebrate the National Day of Bulgaria or Bulgaria’s Day of Liberation every year on March 3rd. I'm just enjoying a day off from school, but there will be celebrations around the country - despite the Turks' continued influence in Bulgaria.