The Third Bulgarian State had its start with the San-Stefano peace agreement signed on March 3, 1878. As a result of that agreement Bulgaria was restored to the territory of the three historical and ethnic Bulgarian regions – namely Moesia, Thrace and Macedonia. Bulgaria became the biggest Balkan country.

13 July 1878 – The treaty of Berlin was signed as a result of which the newly-liberated Bulgaria was divided into the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia and a large portion of the Bulgarian lands was cut away to remain under Ottoman domination.

16 April 1879 – The Turnovo Constitution was passed solemnly by the First Grand National Assembly.

26 June 1879 – Alexander Battenberg became prince of Bulgaria, and Sofia – the capital of the new Bulgarian state.

6 September 1885 – Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia (the real-term liberation of Bulgaria).

22 September 1908 - King Ferdinand I proclaimed Bulgaria’s full independence from Turkish rule.