Historian Krastyu Manchev archives 1885 Bulgarian Unification history

Krastyu Manchev, a biologist by profession and historian by passion, has spent 35 years documenting the history of the Bulgarian Unification of 1885. Based in the town of Saedinenie (formerly Golyam Konare), Manchev has compiled an extensive archive consisting of photographs, documents, and personal accounts gathered through interviews with descendants and relatives of historical figures.

Manchev’s research focuses on the specific contributions of the people from Golyam Konare to the events of September 5–6, 1885. He notes that approximately 300 to 350 local volunteers gathered in the village square to take an oath before marching to Plovdiv to participate in the proclamation of unification and the removal of Governor-General Gabril Krstevich.

His lifelong project aims to preserve the memory of these historical figures for future generations. Much of his collected material has been donated to the State Archives to ensure its long-term preservation.