Remains of Bulgaria’s Czar Samuel return ‘home’ after 1,000 years

The remains of medieval Bulgarian ruler Czar Samuel have returned to Bulgaria 1,000 years after his death. Discovered in Greece in the 1960s, his repatriation followed years of difficult negotiations between Bulgaria and Greece. Thousands gathered in Sofia to honor his arrival, which was marked by a military aircraft escort and a 21-gun salute. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev spoke of European unity and working for peace, referencing the historical rivalry between the two nations. Czar Samuel is considered a symbol of Bulgarian national identity.

The remains of medieval Bulgarian ruler Tsar Samuel will be returned to Bulgaria from Greece on Saturday, following decades of negotiations. Discovered in a Greek border area 60 years ago, Samuel's remains will be flown to Sofia and received with full state honors. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed hope that this handover, which he views as a rejection of cultural heritage being treated as spoils of war, will strengthen Greece's campaign for the return of the Parthenon marbles from Britain. The agreement also involves Bulgaria returning religious relics taken from Greek monasteries during World War I. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev stated that Tsar Samuel, who once divided the nations, now unites them and strengthens their cooperation.