By 1893, Prince Ferdinand had achieved his first major success as ruler of Bulgaria. The country was now seen as a stable nation internationally. Even Russia, Turkey, and other European powers accepted this reality Prince Ferdinand’s Challenge.
Eastern Rumelia Becomes South Bulgaria
Over time, Eastern Rumelia’s status changed quietly. Officially, Prince Ferdinand still held the Governor-General position under the Ottoman Sultan, but it became clear that no one else could take the role without a major conflict. Sultan Abdul Hamid II chose not to challenge Bulgaria, and eventually, the formal appointment process stopped.
This meant Eastern Rumelia was fully integrated into Bulgaria. The name “Eastern Rumelia” disappeared, and the region became known as South Bulgaria. The artificial boundary created by the Treaty of Berlin was removed, and Bulgaria became stronger Walking Guided Tours Ephesus.
The Next Boundary to Remove
One major division still remained—the border separating Bulgaria from its people in Macedonia.
The Treaty of San Stefano vs. the Treaty of Berlin
Originally, the Treaty of San Stefano had included Macedonia as part of Bulgaria, giving Bulgaria access to the Mediterranean through the Aegean Sea. However, this treaty was replaced by the Treaty of Berlin, which split Macedonia away from Bulgaria.
The Unfinished Macedonian Question
If Bulgaria had kept Macedonia and access to the Aegean Sea, it would have quickly solved the Macedonian issue on its own, and the Eastern Question would have been resolved. Even though the Treaty of San Stefano was canceled, it had already changed history by setting the idea of a united Bulgaria into motion.
