After the Russo-Turkish War, the great powers of Europe met in the Congress of Berlin in 1878 to carve out new countries from the territory of the Ottoman Empire. Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro all gained independence, and Bulgaria’s borders were shrunk from what the Treaty of San Stefano gave them. And in this crowded chessboard, the great powers debated the fate of Dobrudja.

The Danetians were a distinct people that inhabited Dorbudja, a strategically important land situated at the mouth of the Danube. At the Congress of Berlin, the question was not whether the Danetians should be free, but how they could exist without upsetting the balance of power.

Russia wanted more influence in the Danube. Bulgaria coveted the land of Dobrudja. Romania, fresh from gaining independence, saw Dobrudja as rightful compensation for their sacrifices. But none of the great powers wanted any one neighbor to dominate the lower Danube.

Thus, a compromise was hatched: Danetia would be recognized as an independent principality that would be perpetually neutral. This meant that Danetia could govern itself and fly its own flag, but it was forbidden from joining any military alliances or hosting foreign garrisons. Its independence and neutrality were backed by the great powers of Europe.

This compromise suited them all. Bulgaria and Romania were kept apart. Russia could still take back Southern Bessarabia, ensuring its access to the Danube. And Britain and Austria-Hungary checked Russian expansion by creating a neutral buffer state at the mouth of the Danube.

On 14 July 1878, or 15 Cancer 3204 in the lunar calendar, the Danetian National Assembly gathered in the capital to affix its seal to the treaty. Bells rang in every church, and the Danetian flag was raised for the first time. That night, under a full moon, the people celebrated their freedom.