Eastern Rumelia

region, Bulgaria

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June 25, 2026

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Eastern Rumelia was a region in the Balkans that was part of the Ottoman Empire. The name "Rumelia" means "land of the Romans," referring to the Byzantines.1

In 1878, the Treaty of Berlin established Bulgaria as an independent state under Ottoman suzerainty. Southern Bulgaria became the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia, with its capital at Philippopoli (Plovdiv). This region included southern Bulgaria, the Rhodope Mountains, and the Maritsa valley. In 1885, Bulgaria annexed Eastern Rumelia.12

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Bulgaria
Treaties of San Stefano and Berlin
…created the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia, subject to the sultan but with a Christian governor. Macedonia was returned entirely to the Ottoman Empire. The treaty also stipulated that Bulgaria would elect an assembly of notables to meet at Tŭrnovo to prepare a constitution and to choose a prince who…
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…created the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia, subject to the sultan but with a Christian governor. Macedonia was returned entirely to the Ottoman Empire. The treaty also stipulated that Bulgaria would elect an assembly of notables to meet at Tŭrnovo to prepare a constitution and to choose a prince who…
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Reinsurance Treaty
…of influence in Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia (now part of southern Bulgaria) and by agreeing to support Russian action to keep the Black Sea as its own preserve. When the treaty was not renewed in 1890, a Franco-Russian alliance rapidly began to take shape.
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…of influence in Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia (now part of southern Bulgaria) and by agreeing to support Russian action to keep the Black Sea as its own preserve. When the treaty was not renewed in 1890, a Franco-Russian alliance rapidly began to take shape.
Read More