Remains of medieval czar return to Bulgaria after decades-long dispute with Greece

The Guardian UK Saturday 03 October 2026, 10:31 UTC By Associated Press in Thessaloniki 1 min read

Key Points

Greek PM hopes handover of Czar Samuel will help persuade Britain to return Parthenon MarblesThe remains of medieval ruler Czar Samuel will arrive in Bulgaria on Saturday amid great pomp and ceremony, after decades of negotiations with neighbouring Greece. The remains – discovered in a Greek border area 60 years ago – are to be flown to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, aboard a military aircraft to be received with full state honours, including a fighter jet escort, a 21-gun salute and a...

Greek PM hopes handover of Czar Samuel will help persuade Britain to return Parthenon Marbles

The remains of medieval ruler Czar Samuel will arrive in Bulgaria on Saturday amid great pomp and ceremony, after decades of negotiations with neighbouring Greece.

The remains – discovered in a Greek border area 60 years ago – are to be flown to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, aboard a military aircraft to be received with full state honours, including a fighter jet escort, a 21-gun salute and a procession to the Church of St Sophia, where the public will be able to pay respects.

Bulgaria (LOCATION) Greece (LOCATION) Czar Samuel (PERSON) Britain (LOCATION) Parthenon (ORG) Samuel (PERSON) Greek (ORG) Bulgarian (ORG) Sofia (LOCATION) the Church of St Sophia (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Remains of medieval czar return to Bulgaria after decades-long dispute with Greece

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