Stambulov, Stefan [key], 1854–95, Bulgarian politician. Protesting Ottoman rule in Bulgaria, he led the unsuccessful revolt of 1876, which was ruthlessly suppressed by the Ottomans in the “Bulgarian atrocities.” Stambulov fought (1877–78) on the side of the Russians in the Russo-Turkish War and after the creation of the Bulgarian state became parliamentary leader of the National Liberal party. He opposed the group of officers that deposed Prince Alexander in 1886 and organized a counterrevolution that placed Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha on the throne in 1887. Ferdinand made him premier, and Stambulov wielded dictatorial power. He consolidated Bulgarian independence but did not secure Ferdinand's recognition by European powers. After having resigned in 1894, he was fatally wounded (1895) by an assassin.
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