Freedom Monument

Public Art: Freedom Monument

Also Known As: Durankulak Monument, Durankulak Rebellion Monument

Sculptor: © Asen Popov

Description: The Durankulak Freedom Monument features a bronze statue of a peasant defiantly holding his arms in the air with fists closed. 

Date Unveiled: 1967

Location: The Freedom Monument is located in the public square in Durankulak, Bulgaria.

Background to the Freedom Monument: In 1899 the ruling liberals in Bulgaria announced they were reintroducing a tithe tax. Peasants would be taxed one-tenth of their agricultural produce and domestic cattle. Farmers in rural areas were getting increasingly concerned about the effect it would have on their livelihood and rural farming. Many believed the tax would just line the pockets of the rich. As a result, some of the farmers refused to declare the size of their crops.

In March 1900 a protest meeting was held in Varna. Over 1800 farmers from nearby villages attended. More protests in rural villages followed. The army was ordered to break up the gatherings which resulted in many arrests. Word spread that the army had 

On June the 1st 1900, near the village of Durankulak a gunfight between protesters and the army broke out, killing over 90 and injuring 300. 

Following the rebellion and widespread criticism of the government and army, the entire cabinet resigned in November 1900. The winning democrats and progressive liberals abolished the tithe tax following the election. All convicted participants of the riots were issued with an amnesty.

The monument was erected in dedication to the victims of the 1900 Dobrudjan rebellion.