The Diplomat Dr. Haralampi Sarmadzhiev and His Participation in the 1898 International Anti-Anarchist Conference in Rome

Abstract

The article discusses the mission of the Bulgarian diplomat Dr. Haralampi Sarmadzhiev (1860-1908) at the International Conference of Rome for the Social Defense Against Anarchists held in 1898 and argues that the participation of the Principality of Bulgaria in this forum represented for the country another step towards achieving full independence. After its liberation in 1878, Bulgaria was still a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, but the Bulgarian government used every opportunity to reaffirm its self-determination and challenge its dependent status. Dr. Sarmadzhiev, born in Bolhrad in a family of wealthy Bessarabian Bulgarians, after graduating from the Bolhrad Gymnasium studied at the University of Bucharest and later in Paris, where he obtained a doctorate in law and became the first Bulgarian lawyer to receive this degree. After completing his studies in Paris, Dr. Sarmadzhiev moved to Bulgaria, just liberated from the Ottoman rule, and served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held high offices, including that of acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Bulgaria, organized the work of the newly created ministry, and cultivated a constellation of young diplomats. Dr. Sarmadzhiev was an outstanding Bulgarian diplomat of his era, whose service in Belgrade and Vienna marked a significant contribution to the development of Bulgarian-Serbian and Bulgarian-Austrian relations. He was chosen to represent the principality at the international anti-anarchist conference in Rome. At this forum, Dr. Sarmadzhiev actively worked towards the diplomatic emancipation of his country; on at least one occasion, he defied the instructions from his government and opposed the official Russian position, asserting Bulgaria’s independent stance despite pressure from both Russia and Turkey. Multilateral meetings in the Italian capital brought considerable legislative and administrative results and became a starting point for subsequent international cooperation.