According to Nikola Tsokev, a direct descendant of the Prošek family and the host of the event: “The Prošek brothers envisioned the same future for the Czech Republic as the Bulgarians dreamed of for Bulgaria - a free country. However, unlike the Czechs at that time, they saw the opportunity to make this dream a reality in Bulgaria, not for their own nation, but for one closely tied to it.”

The evening program included a documentary film about the lives and legacy of the two brothers, followed by a musical performance from the talented young pianist Angel Yalachkov. The event continued in a warm, friendly atmosphere, with draft beer and light refreshments. The gathering received exceptional feedback. Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassador of Slovakia to Bulgaria, Vasil Grivna, and the Mayor of the Sredets district, Traycho Traykov.

The Prošek Brothers – Historical Context

Jiří (Georgi) Prošek was born on December 25, 1847, in Beroun as the son of a shoemaker and a pianist. He obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute in Prague. During his studies, he established contacts with young people from Bulgaria, including a close friendship with Ivan Drasov – one of the closest friends of the revolutionary poet Christo Botev. Later, Prošek also befriended Petar Iv. Berkowski – a revolutionary who introduced him to the Bulgarian language.

After graduating in 1869, Jiří Prošek arrived in Bulgaria, where he settled in the village of Almali (now Yabalkovo) together with other Czech and Polish engineers. After getting closer to members of the secret revolutionary committee in the region, they co-founded the Slavonic House, which included a school and a library. Under the pretext of educational activities, Prošek founded the first international secret revolutionary committee. Like the Bulgarian patriots, he longed for the liberation of the Bulgarian people from centuries of Ottoman rule. In 1876, he began working as a reporter for European newspapers, contributing to informing other European countries about the events in Bulgaria.

Prošek actively participated in the Russo-Turkish War, also known as the war for Bulgaria's liberation. Together with his comrades, he dismantled 200 kilometers of railway tracks near Edirne, preventing the Ottoman army from effectively reallocating its forces to the Shipka Pass in time. This action played a crucial role in the outcome of the battle.

After Bulgaria's liberation, Jiří Prošek settled in Sofia, where he became the first stenographer of the Bulgarian National Assembly. He was a founding member of both 'Slavyanska Beseda' and the 'Czech' Association (1892), briefly managed the 'Czech falcon' magazine, and co-founded the 'Falcon' hunting club as well as the Bulgarian Association of Engineers and Architects.

In 1878, his brother Theodor (Bogdan) Prošek, born in 1858 in Beroun, arrived in Bulgaria. In 1884, the two brothers built the most modern brewery in the Balkans at the time - the first building in Bulgaria to have electricity and its own generator. The Prošek brothers also established the first printing house in Sofia, where they printed newspapers as well as official documents for the royal palace and government authorities. Among the most famous landmarks associated with the Prošek family are the Eagle’s Bridge and Lion’s Bridge in Sofia, both of which were constructed with the participation of their cousin, Václav.

The Prošek brothers passed away in 1905, only one month apart. They are buried in the Central Catholic Cemetery in Sofia.