People's Republic of Bulgaria
The order was instituted on October 16, 1981 by decree No.2191 of the State Council of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, to commemorate the 13-centuries anniversary of the Bulgarian state. It was awarded to Bulgarian and foreign citizens for outstanding services to People's Republic of Bulgaria. This could be services or legal entities in support of education, science, culture, restoration and preservation of historical and cultural values, health care and other social spheres.