History does not forgive oblivion. And freedom is not given – it is earned. This is what the „Ilinden“ association writes on the occasion of the 112th anniversary of the Ilinden-Preobrazhensko Uprising:
And they recall:
On August 2, 1903, not just armed discontent broke out. This was an act of statesmanship, an expression of the political maturity and national will of the Bulgarians from Macedonia and Adrianople. The Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising was organized by the Internal Macedonian-Adrianople Revolutionary Organization (IMRO) with the clear awareness that the goal was liberation and accession to the Bulgarian state. Vast territories were covered: from Bitola, Krushevo, Prilep and Skopje to Ohrid, Veles and Shtip; from Lerin, Kostur and Resen to Lozengrad and Strandzha.
The Krushevo Republic was built - a symbol of democracy and organizational maturity. The uprising was declared under the slogan of autonomy, but not as an end in itself, but as a transitional phase towards future accession to the Bulgarian homeland, following the example of Eastern Rumelia. This was a nationwide strategy, realized by both the leaders and the people.
Today, 122 years later, we from the “Ilinden“ Association We state clearly: Ilinden is not a myth. It is not just a memory. Ilinden is a testament – to us, today's Bulgarians, to continue the work we have begun with new means, but with the same determination.
We call on the Bulgarian state:
- not to allow our history to be changed in international documents
- to protect the Bulgarian community in Macedonia in reality, not declaratively
- to revive cultural and educational activities in the historical Bulgarian lands
- to speak in the language of historical truth, not of diplomatic compromise
And we call on every Bulgarian - not to be an observer, but a successor. Let us not forget that our past is the unfinished business of our present.
Long live Ilinden!
Long live historical truth!
Long live Bulgaria!
Association “Ilinden“ – For truth, memory and national dignity