Eski Dzhumaya massacre

The Eski Dzhumaya massacre was a terrible event in Bulgarian history that took place shortly before the town's liberation from Ottoman rule. On 27 January 1878, as the Russian army approached, Turks and Circassians led by Kazali Yusuf, Kyuchuk Ali and Dzhun Ahmed began forcing out the Bulgarian population gathered in the town and neighbouring villages.

Many Bulgarians were killed on the road to Shumen in ruthless attacks involving murder, massacres, rape and other atrocities. Villagers unable to flee tried to defend themselves by gathering with weapons in houses, but in many cases their defence failed and large numbers were killed.

The Turkish attackers carried out mass killings and devastated the town and surrounding area. They set fire to the bazaar and Bulgarian quarter, along with numerous shops, houses and workshops. The fires caused extensive destruction and heavy losses of property and life.

Some Bulgarians bravely sought help from the Russian army, travelling a long and dangerous route until they reached Russian troops and reported the town's plight. Russian forces liberated the town on 29 January 1878, confronting the perpetrators. On the orders of the Russian command, some of those captured were publicly hanged for their atrocities.

The event illustrates the suffering of the Bulgarian people under Ottoman rule, and the courage and desperation shown in their efforts to defend themselves and seek freedom and justice.