The remains of Czar Samuel, a significant ruler of the Bulgarian Empire in the Middle Ages, are set to arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Saturday after extensive negotiations with Greece. Czar Samuel ruled from 997 to 1014 and is recognized as a symbol of Bulgarian national identity. His remains have been in Greece for several decades and are also claimed by North Macedonia.
Samuel's reign extended over much of the Balkans, including areas now in North Macedonia, and was marked by conflicts with the Byzantine Empire, culminating in his defeat at the Battle of Kleidion in 1014. It is said that he died of shock upon seeing his blinded soldiers return home, following orders from Byzantine Emperor Basil II.
The remains, discovered in a Greek border area 60 years ago, will be received with state honors in Bulgaria. They will be transported to Sofia on a military aircraft, accompanied by a fighter jet, and a 21-gun salute will take place during a procession to the Church of St. Sophia, where the public can pay their respects. Free trains to Sofia will be provided for attendees, and approximately 750 police officers will be on duty during the ceremony.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated at a ceremony in Thessaloniki, Greece, that the remains belong to both nations and are significant for future generations to honor their ancestors. Bulgaria initiated talks for the return of the remains in 2007, making it a key issue in bilateral relations.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the cultural and emotional significance of Czar Samuel's remains for Bulgaria and expressed hope that the ceremony would support Greece's efforts to reclaim the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.
While Bulgaria celebrates the return, Czar Samuel is also honored in North Macedonia, where he is commemorated with a statue in Skopje. The exchange has sparked discussions about historical narratives, with some Greek academics criticizing the adequacy of the return. A bilateral commission in 2022 suggested that Samuel be recognized as the head of the Bulgarian Empire, a territory that includes present-day North Macedonia.
The return of the remains coincides with Bulgaria's upcoming presidential election, where historical narratives are influencing political dynamics. Analyst Dimitar Bechev noted that the return aims to emphasize the Bulgarian identity of the Slavic population in Macedonia.