History of Bulgaria in dates. Bulgarian kingdom: history of origin

The history of Bulgaria goes back thousands of years and begins its countdown in the distant Neolithic era, when nomadic agricultural tribes moved here from the territory of Asia Minor. In the course of its history, Bulgaria more than once became a desirable trophy of conquering neighbors and visited the Thracian Odrysian kingdom, Greek Macedonia, was included in the Roman Empire, and later in Byzantium, and in the 15th century. conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
Having experienced invasions, wars, conquests, Bulgaria, nevertheless, managed to revive, finding its own nation and gaining cultural and historical self-determination.

Odrysian kingdom
By the 6th c. BC e. the territory of Bulgaria was the outskirts Ancient Greece spread along the Black Sea coast. For several centuries, on the basis of the Indo-European tribes who came from the north, a tribe of Thracians was formed here, from whom Bulgaria received its first name - Thrace (Bulgarian Thrace). Over time, the Thracians became the main population in this territory and formed their own state - the Odrysian kingdom, which united Bulgaria, Romania, northern Greece and Turkey. The kingdom became the largest urban conglomerate in Europe at that time. The cities founded by the Thracians - Serdika (modern Sofia), Eumolpiada (modern Plovdiv) - still have not lost their significance. The Thracians were an extremely developed and rich civilization, the tools and household items they created were ahead of their time in many ways (skillful metal blades, exquisite gold jewelry, four-wheeled chariots, etc.). Many mythical creatures passed to the neighbors of the Greeks from the Thracians - the god Dionysus, the princess Europe, the hero Orpheus, etc. But in 341 BC. weakened by colonial wars, the Odrysian kingdom fell under the influence of Macedonia, and in 46 AD. became part of the Roman Empire and later, in 365, Byzantium.
First Bulgarian kingdom
The first Bulgarian kingdom arose in 681 with the arrival of the Asian nomads of the Bulgars on the territory of Thrace, who were forced to leave the steppes of Ukraine and southern Russia under the onslaught of the Khazars. The alliance that emerged between the local Slavic population and the nomads proved to be very successful in the campaigns against Byzantium and made it possible to expand the Bulgarian kingdom by the 9th century, including Macedonia and Albania. The Bulgarian kingdom became the first Slavic state in history, and in 863 the brothers Cyril and Methodius created Slavic alphabet- Cyrillic. The adoption of Christianity by Tsar Boris in 865 made it possible to erase the boundaries between the Slavs and the Bulgars and create a single ethnic group - the Bulgarians.
Second Bulgarian kingdom
From 1018 to 1186, the Bulgarian kingdom was again under the rule of Byzantium, and only the uprising of Asen, Peter and Kaloyan in 1187 allowed part of Bulgaria to secede. This is how the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was formed, which lasted until 1396. Constant raids on the Balkan Peninsula by the Ottoman Empire, which began as early as 1352, led to the fall of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which ceased to exist as an independent state for five long centuries.

Ottoman domination
As a result of the five hundred years of the Ottoman yoke, Bulgaria was completely ruined, the population decreased, and cities were destroyed. Already in the 15th century. all Bulgarian authorities ceased to exist, and the church lost its independence and became subordinate to the Patriarch of Constantinople.
The local Christian population was deprived of all rights and subjected to discrimination. Thus, Christians were forced to pay more taxes, did not have the right to carry weapons, every fifth son in the family was forced to serve in the Ottoman army. The Bulgarians raised uprisings more than once, wanting to stop the violence and oppression of Christians, but they were all brutally suppressed.

Bulgarian National Revival
In the 17th century the influence of the Ottoman Empire is weakening, and the country actually falls into anarchy: power is concentrated in the hands of the kurjali gangs that terrorized the country. At this time, the national movement is being revived, interest in the historical self-consciousness of the Bulgarian people is increasing, the formation of literary language, interest in their own culture is revived, the first schools, theaters appear, newspapers in Bulgarian begin to be printed, etc.
Princely semi-independence
Princely rule arose after the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule as a result of the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia (1877 - 1878) and the country's independence in 1878. In honor of this key event in the history of Bulgaria, a magnificent temple was erected in the capital of Sofia in 1908 Alexander Nevsky, which has become the hallmark of not only the city, but the entire state.
According to the Treaty of San Stefano, Bulgaria was granted the vast territory of the Balkan Peninsula, which included Macedonia and northern Greece. However, under pressure from the West, instead of gaining independence, Bulgaria received broad autonomy within the Ottoman Empire and a monarchical form of government headed by the German prince Alexander, the nephew of the Russian Tsar Alexander II. Nevertheless, Bulgaria managed to reunite, as a result of which the country gained Eastern Rumelia, part of Thrace and access to the Aegean Sea. But in this composition, Bulgaria was able to exist for a short 5 years (1913-1918), after the defeat in the First World War, the country lost most of its territory.

Third Bulgarian kingdom
The third Bulgarian kingdom covers the period from 1918 to 1946. Despite the agreement signed in 1937 on "indestructible peace and sincere and eternal friendship" with Yugoslavia, during the Second World War, Bulgaria chooses Germany as its ally and introduces its troops into the territory of a neighboring country, thus supporting the German intervention. Tsar Boris's attempt to change course was unsuccessful. After his premature death, his 6-year-old son Simeon II, who later fled to Spain, takes the throne. In 1944, Soviet troops entered Bulgaria, and already in 1944-1945. the Bulgarian army begins to conduct military operations against Germany and its allies as part of the Soviet armed forces. The further political course of Bulgaria was predetermined, in 1944 power passes to the communists under the leadership of Todor Zhivkov. In 1946, as a result of a referendum, the monarchy was liquidated, and Bulgaria proclaimed itself a republic headed by a prime minister.

Communist Bulgaria
During the communist regime, Bulgaria achieved high results in the development and modernization of industry, industrialization and collectivization of agriculture, which made it possible not only to provide the country with jobs, the latest technology, various commodities and foodstuffs, but also to become a major exporter. The main consumer of Bulgarian exports was, of course, the USSR. Thus, industrial and textile goods, agricultural products, various canned food, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages (cognac, beer) and the first computers were actively supplied to the Soviet republics, and Bulgarian resorts became a popular vacation spot for Soviet citizens. However, in 1989 the wave of perestroika also reached Bulgaria, and after the fall Berlin Wall On November 9, 1989, the communist regime was overthrown, and the permanent 78-year-old leader of the Communist Party, Todor Zhivkov, was placed under arrest and later stood trial on charges of corruption and bribery.

Modern Bulgaria
Modern Bulgaria has taken a course towards the West and European integration. Thus, on March 29, 2004, the country joined NATO, and on January 1, 2007, the European Union. Carrying out a comprehensive modernization, every year Bulgaria becomes more and more attractive for foreign tourists, a popular destination for summer and winter holiday. The widespread construction of new hotels, the development of infrastructure, the improvement of the quality of service and the diversification of services have allowed Bulgaria to repeatedly increase the tourist flow.
Today, the resorts of the country are modern complexes for a comfortable and eventful stay - an excellent hotel base, a variety of excursion routes, entertainment for every taste, alternative forms of tourism and much more. Attractive prices, low compared to other European resorts, make holidays here affordable for a wide range of tourists - from youth companies to families with children, while luxurious 5 * hotels meet the requirements of the most demanding guests.
Despite the fact that we associate Bulgaria more with beach holiday, the country has amazing opportunities for winter tourism. Excellent ski resorts- Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo - enchant with beauty surrounding nature, modern slopes for both amateurs and professionals, excellent opportunities for the youngest ski fans, as well as for those who prefer snowboarding to skiing.
And if you still don't feel confident enough, experienced instructors are at your service. They will not only teach you all the necessary skills and abilities in a short time, but will also offer you communication in your native language. The absence of a language barrier, the commonality of cultures and Orthodox traditions make visiting the resorts of Bulgaria even more enjoyable, come and see for yourself!

1000 BC The lands of present-day Bulgaria are inhabited by Thracian tribes.

700 BC The first Greek colonies on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria were Odessos (Varna) and Mesemvria (Nessebar).

500-400 AD BC The heyday of the Thracian kingdom.

200 BC The Romans conquered Thrace.

395 The Roman Empire is divided into the Western Empire, with its capital in Rome, and the Eastern Empire, with its capital in Constantinople. Bulgarian lands are part of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Around 500 The appearance of the first Slavic tribes on the lands of modern Bulgaria.

679 Turkic hordes, the so-called proto-Bulgarians, led by khans and boyars, having left their traditional habitats between the Volga and Southern Urals, crossed the Danube and settled in the Balkans.

681 Turkic was formed the first ever Slavic state (the First Bulgarian Kingdom) with its capital in the city of Pliska in Moesia. The borders of the Kingdom stretched from Byzantium to Macedonia.

681-1018 First Bulgarian kingdom.

863 Creation by Cyril and Methodius of the first Slavic writing.

864 The Bulgarian Tsar Boris I is baptized.

870 g. Christianity becomes the religion of Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian church, headed by its own patriarch, is independent.

893 - 927 The Bulgarian kingdom under Tsar Simeon the Great is the "Golden Age" of medieval Bulgaria. The heyday was accompanied by the expansion of borders to the western shores of the Adriatic, the development of culture and writing.

1014 Battle of Mount Belasitsa. The catastrophic defeat of the Bulgarian army.

1018 - 1185 Bulgaria loses its independence and becomes part of Byzantium. The Bulgarian Church passes under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

1185 - 1396. Second Bulgarian kingdom. The capital was moved to Veliko Tarnovo.

1218 - 1241 The heyday of the Bulgarian Kingdom under Tsar Ivan Asen II.

1235 Restoration of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.

1352 The beginning of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans.

1396 - 1878 Bulgaria is conquered by the Turks and becomes part of the Ottoman Empire.

2nd half of the 18th century Beginning of the National Revival.

1876 April uprising, brutally suppressed by the Turks.

1877 - 1878. Russian-Turkish war. Bulgaria is liberated from the Turkish yoke.

1878 Bulgaria becomes an independent state - an autonomous principality, a vassal of Turkey. The southern territories of Bulgaria - the so-called Eastern Rumelia - were transformed into an autonomous province within Turkey.

1879 Prince Alexander Batenberg - the first Grand Duke Bulgaria.

1885 Unification of Bulgaria with eastern Rumelia.

1908 Bulgaria de jure becomes an independent state - the Kingdom of Bulgaria.

1912 First Balkan War. Allies - Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia and Greece inflict a crushing defeat on Turkey.

1913 Second (inter-allied) Balkan war. Bulgaria fights alone with Serbia, Greece, Turkey and Romania and is defeated. As a result, Bulgaria loses part of its territory.

1915 Bulgaria enters the first world war on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary.

1918 The defeat of Bulgaria in the First World War.

1941 Bulgaria enters World War II on the side of Germany.

1944 The overthrow of the monarchy. The coming to power of the Fatherland Front.

1946 The abolition of the monarchy after a popular referendum.

1948 Bulgaria is proclaimed a People's Republic.

1962-1989 The reign of Todor Zhivkov.

1989 The resignation of T. Zhivkov at a meeting of the Central Committee of the Belarusian Communist Party.

1991 Victory in the elections of the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS).

1992 The first elected president was Zhelyu Zhelev.

1994 In the new elections, the Socialists (former communists) get the majority of the votes.

1996. The presidential election is won by the SDS candidate Petr Stoyanov.

1997 UDF (United Democratic Forces) won the elections.

2002 Georgy Parvanov was elected President.

2004. Bulgaria joined NATO.

2007 became significant in the history of Bulgaria in connection with its accession to the European Union.

We bring to your attention an essay on the history of the Bulgarians, written by Bulgarian historians.

The essay contains an interpretation of the origin of the Bulgarian people that is common in modern Bulgaria (in this regard, modern Tatarstan is polemically mentioned), and also tells about the survival of the Bulgarians and their state in the last centuries between the great forces of world politics (a stable term in Bulgarian historiography and the media).

It should be noted that the interpretation of the Bulgarian role in the world proposed in the following material is shared only by a part of Bulgarian historians. A more cautious look at the role of the Bulgarians in the world is contained, for example, in the material of the Bulgarian foreign broadcast in Russian, which is published on our website under the title “Turks who became Slavs. The Bulgarians are not Slavic by origin, but by language they are no longer Turkic or Iranian.” You can find this material at the link at the end of this review.

Bulgarian greatness

The cover of the brochure "Bulgarians" quoted by us with the image of the coat of arms of Bulgaria with the motto "In unity - strength".

The cover also contains a statement by a Japanese researcher who ranks Bulgarian civilization among the seven leading civilizations in the world.

In the illustration: the cover of the brochure "Bulgarians" we cite, with the image of the coat of arms of Bulgaria with the motto "In unity - strength."

The cover also contains a statement by a Japanese researcher who ranks Bulgarian civilization among the seven leading civilizations in the world:

"Bulgarian culture of the Middle Ages is among the seven civilizations in the history of mankind that have played a responsible mediating role because of their mission as a link between East and West." (Professor Shigeoshi Matsumae, Japan).

Sometimes, even in the West, one can hear the point of view that Byzantium, at least the second half of its existence, survived only when the militant Bulgarian neighbors fought for it. And the final defeat of the Byzantines occurred partly because the Bulgarians left this big neighbor of theirs to their fate. Although the outline of history offered to your attention does not directly mention this, the interpretation of events is close to such a version. In Russia, they pay little attention to the history of small peoples and often deny them the right to have own opinion even your history. Perhaps this publication will open the Bulgarian interpretation of the history of Bulgaria to some Russian-speaking readers.

The text of the essay is taken from the illustrated brochure "Bulgarians", offered by the cultural and tourist authorities of Bulgaria at different languages for abroad in last years. The spelling and punctuation of the original Russian edition is preserved. Illustrations to the text are taken from the original edition.

Related information:

On the origin of the Bulgarians. Help site

Bulgarian historians in the essay use the term. This is a Turkic-speaking people, although in Bulgaria they do not categorically claim that they were Turkic by blood, but, perhaps, switched to Turkic in the course of centuries-old migrations across the steppe. The proposed essay, in particular, refers to the belonging of the Pro-Bulgarians to Bactria, whose inhabitants spoke the language of the Iranian group.

IN Soviet times it was considered indecent to say that by origin the Bulgarians are not Slavs, but Turks - nomads, who often terrified other peoples. (Medieval chroniclers often went to the other extreme, identifying the Bulgarian ethnic group with the fierce nomads - the Huns).

Initially, the Proto-Bulgarians, along with other nomads, entered the steppe states in the Caspian basin, and then split into several streams that migrated in different directions.

Part of the Proto-Bulgarians went to the territory of modern Tatarstan and founded the Volga Bulgaria there, the other part of the ethnic group ended up on the lands of present-day Bulgaria. In the Volga Bulgaria, the Proto-Bulgarians later adopted Islam from the Arabs. But their state in the end turned out to be short-lived.

That part of the Proto-Bulgarians who migrated to the territory of modern Bulgaria, for quite a long time (several generations) in the state created here by their khans, also oppressed the Slavs and Thracians who lived in these places (an Indo-European people who disappeared later as a result of assimilation), not allowing these ethnic groups to governing the country, although the Slavs and Thracians made up a large part of the population.

The contradictions began to smooth out after the adoption of Christianity by all groups of the population, which happened at the behest of the Proto-Bulgarian ruler Boris, who took the khan's throne, and became an Orthodox tsar. After that, the nation known to us as the modern Bulgarians rapidly began to take shape.

("Information on the topic: "On the origin of the Bulgarians" website prepared)

Bulgarians

And now to the Bulgarian essay:

« The history of the Bolgars can be described from ancient times (I millennium BC), since when they are known as the sovereign Indo-European people. Homeland of the Bulgarians — Central Asia, in the region of the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains.

In Indian sources, this territory is called Balkhara, and in Greek — Bactria. Being a highly organized social formation, they created a rich heritage in the region philosophical reflection world, public administration, social structure, military affairs, writing, language, construction, astronomy.

An impressive achievement is the ancient Bulgarian solar calendar, perfect from an astronomical and mathematical point of view, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most accurate among those known so far.

The contacts of the Bulgarians with China, India and Persia are dated centuries before Christ. Later, on their way to the West, the Bulgarians met and communicated with Armenians, Jews, Slavs, and each had something from the Other. In the 9th century, on the map of Europe of the Middle Ages, there were three large empires — Danubian Bulgaria, the Frankish state of Charlemagne, and Byzantium. To the northeast, Volga Bulgaria strengthened its foundations. In the era of the Middle Ages, the Bulgarians were among the first Christian peoples who established cultural contacts with the Arabs.. In the epoch of Modern and Contemporary times, the cooperation of Bulgaria with Germany, Austria, France, England, Italy, with the Scandinavian, Eastern European and Balkan countries is an integral part of the formation of modern Europe.

The contribution of the Bulgarians to the world cultural treasury has many aspects. First of all, we must mention the idea of ​​statehood based on a just and tolerant attitude towards the Other, the denial of slavery and the organization of a free labor society as far back as the 2nd century after Christ. Remarkable is the relatively early partial Christianization of the Bolgars, who came out in defense of the future pan-European religion along with the Armenians in the battle on the Avarayr field (451 AD). The Bulgarians who fell in battle were declared saints by the Armenian Church.

In the era of the Middle Ages, Bulgaria turned into a model of political and cultural partnership with other states. Its spiritual offspring are the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, who gave Slavic world new script, and declared by Pope John Paul II the patrons of Europe. The Bulgarian states at important moments were the shield of Europe against barbarian aggressions from the East. Bulgarian folklore — gene bank for the Paleo-European cultural heritage.

In modern times, the Bulgarian spirit has given the world a number of scientists, researchers and specialists in all fields. human knowledge: John Atanasoff — recognized in the United States as the inventor of the modern computer is an American Bulgarian origin; Remarkable is the talent of the Bulgarian Assen Yordanov, the chief designer of the first Boeing; Pitr Petrov works under the Apollo program, is the inventor of electronic clocks, etc. The pride for Bulgaria is the world-famous opera bass Boris Christov. The Bulgarians stepped into the third millennium with new ideas and ambitions.

Chronicle

Bulgarian history

The European presence of the ancient Bulgarians dates back to the year 165 according to the most ancient chronicle of the Bulgarian statehood. — "Nomennik of the Bulgarian Kans". In the 7th century, the state of Bolgars, headed by Kan Kubrat, turned into a mighty force, called by the Byzantine compilers of the historical chronicle "Ancient Great Bulgaria". As a token of honor Roman emperor Heraclius honored Kubrat, who at the same time converted to Christianity, high title "patrician" and rewarded with rich gifts. The treasure from his grave near the village of Malaya Pereshchepina (present-day Ukraine) is proof of both the political power of Great Bulgaria and the authority of its owner.

In the middle of the 7th century, Ancient Great Bulgaria was reborn into two new states — to Volga Bulgaria, and to Danube Bulgaria.

Volga Bulgaria created a brilliant Islamic civilization in the struggle with the peoples of the steppes and with the Russian principalities. In the XIII century, after a long resistance, the country was forced to become a vassal of the Mongolian "Golden Horde". The state was finally destroyed by the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible in the middle of the 16th century. And to this day the ruins of his capital Bolgar the Great make a strong impression. The Volga Bulgarians were subjected to strong assimilation pressure from the Russian Empire, and in particular from the Soviet regime, which imposed on them the incredible ethnic name "Tatars". Nowadays in the Republic of Tatarstan there is a movement of intellectuals who defend the return of the name "Bulgarians" to the people and the restoration of the original name Bulgaristan.

In the Balkans, Danubian Bulgaria, led by Kan Asparukh (680-700), united the ancient Bulgarians with the descendants of the Thracians, as well as the Slavic tribes of the so-called Bulgarian group. The capital Pliska, huge in area for that era, was built.

— unique rock relief, a UNESCO monument, a symbol of the beginning of Bulgarian statehood in Europe.

During the reign of Kan Tervel (700-721), Bulgaria expanded its territories and became a great political force. In 718, thanks to the victory of the Bulgarians over the Arabs at the walls of Constantinople, European territories were saved from a terrible invasion from the East. In the times of Kan Krum (803-814) Bulgaria bordered on the west with the empire of Charlemagne, and in the east the Bulgarian army reached the walls of the capital of Byzantium — Constantinople. IN 864, (852-889), Bulgaria adopted Christianity as the official religion. This destroyed the ethno-cultural differences between the Bulgarians, Thracians and Slavs, and the creation of a single Bulgarian nation began.

At the end of the 9th century, the brothers Cyril (Konstantin the Philosopher) and Methodius created and spread the Bulgarian-Slavic alphabet. Their students Kliment and Naum found conditions in Bulgaria for fruitful work. From Bulgaria, writing spread to other countries. Today it is used in Macedonia, Ukraine, Belarus, the former Yugoslavia and Mongolia.

During the reign of Tsar Simeon the Great (893-927) the borders of the country reached three seas — Black, Aegean, and Adriatic. This is the era of the so-called "Golden Age" Bulgarian culture.

Under his successor Peter (927-969) the Bulgarian state continued to be a significant political force, but the invasion of the owner Kievan Rus Holy lava led to the imaginary "help" of Byzantium, as a result of which the Bulgarian kingdom suffered a severe blow — displacing Svyatoslav, Emperor John Tzimisce in 971 took the eastern Bulgarian lands along with the capital of Veliki Preslav. At that moment, the genius of Tsar Samuel (997-1014) manifested itself, under which the state center of Bulgaria was transferred to Ohrnd (now in the Republic of Macedonia). The Bulgarian epic in the fight against Byzantium was marked by both brilliant victories and heavy losses. In 1018, after the defeat of the Bulgarian troops, for almost 170 years Bulgaria was under Byzantine rule.

On this map from the brochure we cite: Red arrows show attacks (in different years) to the Bulgarian states of his enemies - Genghis Khan (such a spelling of the name is accepted in the Bulgarian primary source), the Pechenegs, the Ottomans.

Then, as the pamphlet says, from where given material, Bulgarian state formations became the "shield of Europe".

Even in the first years of foreign rule, the Bulgarians began to fight for their freedom. In 1186, an uprising led by the boyar brothers Asen and Peter restored the independence of the Bulgarian kingdom, and the city of Veliko Tarnovo became its capital.

History in the cards: The movement of the Bulgarian ethnos and the states and cities founded by the Proto-Bulgarians.

The recent power of Bulgaria was restored during the reign of their younger brother Kaloyan (1197-1207), and during the reign of Ivan Asen II (1218-1241) the Bulgarian kingdom reached its second prosperity — political hegemony was established in Southeastern Europe, the borders expanded to the Black, Aegean and Adriatic seas, the economy and culture developed.

In 1235 the Bulgarian Patriarchy was restored as an autocephalous church with the main town of Tarnovo.

Disagreements among part of the boyars, however, led to the division of the country into two parts. — Vidin (western) and Tarnovo (eastern) kingdoms. In 1393, the "royal city" of Tarnovo was taken and destroyed by the Ottoman Turks, and in 1396 the last free Bulgarian lands fell.. The Bulgarian aristocracy and clergy were brutally slaughtered by the invaders, only a few managed to escape in exile.

It was the darkest period in Bulgarian history, lasting for five whole centuries. The uprisings of the Bulgarians hindered the expansionist ambitions of the Turks in the West. At that time, Europe was calmly experiencing its Renaissance.

In the middle of the 18th century, the era of the Bulgarian National Revival began, forcibly belated. The struggle for an independent church, the publication of books as well as periodicals in Bulgarian, the founding of secular Bulgarian schools and the officialization of language and culture are all steps towards the formation of a nation. A very important moment is the writing of the "History of the Slavic-Bulgarian" Paisnya Hilendarsky (1762). The church-national struggle forced the Turkish government to recognize the Bolgars as an independent nation. Rila Monastery — spiritual center of Bulgaria.

In the era of the Bulgarian National Revival, a movement for political liberation also began. In 1869, the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee was founded in Bucharest, which led the preparations for a popular uprising from the territory of Romania. The key was the figure of Vasil Levski (1837-1873) — national hero Bolgar, who was called the "Apostle of Freedom". Persecuted for years by the Ottoman police, the brilliant revolutionary was caught, tried and hanged in Sofia. And now Levski is considered a popular saint and the most precious sacrifice of Bulgaria in its entire thousand-year history.

The April uprising against Ottoman rule (1876) was a turning point in the national liberation movement of the Bolgars. In the uprising, which was very active in the region of Thrace, thousands of revolutionaries gave their lives for Bulgaria, among whom the national poet Hristo Botev (1848-1876) was especially prominent.

On the map from the brochure “Bulgarians” we are quoting: the movement of the Bulgarian ethnos from the ancestral home to Europe and the states and cities founded by the pro-Bulgarians.

Often Bulgarian cities bore names indicating ethnicity - Bulgar, Balkar, Bolgar.

As can be seen on the map, the resettlement began from Central Asia from the cities of Osh, Khumri, Shumanai, Suvar.

Part of the Proto-Bulgarians moved to India, while others went to Europe. Some have reached Italy.

According to our opinion of Bulgarian historians, the extreme southern point of the movement of the Bulgarians was the city they founded in Italy - Celle de Bulgeria.

Note that the site may not share the point of view of the authors of the presented Bulgarian brochure.

The bloody suppression of the uprising, the brutal massacre and violence against the Christian population raised the "Bulgarian question" before the world democratic community.

History in maps-2: The movement of the Bulgarian ethnos and the states and cities founded by the Proto-Bulgarians.

The failure of the Constantinople embassy conference, which provides for the creation of an independent Bulgarian state in the Bulgarian ethnic space, caused another Russian-Turkish war. In 1877, the Russian Emperor Alexander II declared the beginning of the war.

After heavy and epic battles (in the Shipka Pass and near the city of Pleven) for one year, Turkey was forced to conclude a peace treaty. On March 3, 1878, Bulgaria regained its independence, and its territory covered the original Bulgarian lands (Moesia, Thrace and Macedonia).

The great forces, having forgotten about the Bulgarian contribution to the cause of Europe, revised the peace treaty and tore the Bulgarian territories into three parts - the Principality of Bulgaria (now Northern Bulgaria with the capital Sofia) was proclaimed with Prince Alexander Bateiberg; Eastern Rumelia (now Southern Bulgaria) was isolated, headed by a Christian governor dependent on the Sultan, while Thrace and Macedonia remained under the direct rule of the Ottoman Empire. Temporary political interests were served. In 1885, the Union of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumedia took place. In the lands of Macedonia, which remained under Turkish rule, with a predominantly Bulgarian population, the Ilyinden-Preobrazhensky uprising broke out in 1903, which was brutally suppressed by the Turkish authorities. Ferdinand of Saksgoburggottsky, the Bulgarian prince since 1887, proclaimed independence from Turkey and in 1908 returned the title of king to the Bulgarians. Bulgaria took part in the Balkan War (1912) with the aim of uniting the nation, and won the war, however, in the subsequent Inter-Allied War (1913), it was defeated by Romania, Turkey, and its former allies, who tore off territories from it inhabited by Bulgarians.

Bulgaria's intervention in World War I on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary again pursued national unification, but ended in disaster. In 1918, Tsar Ferdinand abdicated for the benefit of his son Boris III. (Abdication, from Latin abdicatio - voluntary renunciation. Approx. Site).

The peace treaty of Neuilly from 1919 imposed harsh clauses on Bulgaria — she lost access to the Aegean Sea, Western Thrace became part of Greece, Southern Dobruja passed to Romania, and the surroundings of Strumitsa, Bosnlegrad and Tsaribrod were given to the Croatian-Slovenian kingdom (by the force of the Bulgarian-Romanian treaty in 1940 Dobruja was returned to Bulgaria).

During World War II, Bulgaria did not send soldiers to the Eastern Front, or rather — against the armies of democratic forces. The Bulgarian people exerted public pressure and did not allow the deportation of Bulgarian Jews to the death camps. About 50,000 people were saved.

On September 9, 1944, the government of the Fatherland Front was established in the country. Bulgaria joined the anti-Hitler coalition on the side of the democratic forces. Tens of thousands of Bulgarians died at the front during the final stage of the war.

In 1946 Bulgaria was proclaimed a republic. The Bulgarian Communist Party came to power and a totalitarian regime was established. A system of nationalization and collectivization was imposed, Bulgaria became part of the so-called Soviet bloc.

November 10, 1989 marked the beginning of democratic changes in Bulgaria. A new constitution was adopted (1991), political parties were restored, and the creation of a market economy began.

Today Bulgaria is integrating into a large European family, asserting its model of ethnic tolerance, based on traditional Bulgarian democratic values ​​and historical experience. Bulgaria is an important factor of stability in the Balkans, despite the difficult and difficult social and economic transition. With this function, Bulgaria continues to fulfill its mission of a mediator between peoples and cultures.”

B Brochure "Bulgarians" (Authors: Prof. Dr. Georgy Bakalov and Dr. Georgy Vladimirov. Translator Vasilka Kehayova. Publishing house Tangra TanNakRA IK, Sofia. The publication date is believed to be 2008. The publication date is not given. The author's style is preserved); Introductory note to this article Information

Bulgaria is a country with a history full of drama. The Bulgarian people have stubbornly defended dignity and freedom throughout their history. Bulgarians have a complex origin. The Bulgarian ethnos was based on three components: Thracians, Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians.

Among the Thracian tribes in the second half of the 1st millennium BC. was in the process of forming a state. Their culture had much in common with the culture of the peoples of the Mediterranean. Part of the Thracians underwent Hellenization, other groups were Romanized after the Roman conquest. In the VI-VII centuries. Slavic tribes who migrated from across the Danube settled on the Balkan Peninsula.

In the first half of the 7th c. a tribal union was formed - the first Slavic state on the peninsula. The relationship between the Slavs and the Thracians was peaceful. There was a gradual dissolution of a significant part of the Thracians in the Slavic ethnic community.

In the second half of the 7th c. from beyond the Danube came the Proto-Bulgarians - part of the Turkic-speaking people. The struggle against a common enemy - Byzantium - brought the Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians closer. In 680, in the north-east of modern Bulgaria, the Slavic-Bulgarian state of Bulgaria was formed, which was recognized by Byzantium. As the borders of the Bulgarian state expanded, more and more Slavic tribes were included in the Bulgarian nationality. In 865 was adopted christian religion, which became the final stage in the rallying of different ethnic groups, Slavic writing was introduced.

In the XI century. Bulgaria was conquered by Byzantium, but in 1186 the Bulgarian people regained their independence.

By the end of the XIV century. successful development Bulgaria was interrupted by the Ottoman conquest. For almost five centuries, the Bulgarians were subjected to the brutal oppression of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, there was a forced imposition of Islam.

In the second half of the XVIII century. The Renaissance began in Bulgaria. Industry developed, cities began to grow, economic ties. At the end of the 18th-19th centuries. formed economic basis for the further unity of the Bulgarian people. The historical process led to the formation of the Bulgarian nation, and this became a force in the national liberation movement. This movement was directed not only against the Ottoman oppression, but also against the Greek bourgeoisie, which pressed the young Bulgarian economy, planted Greek language in schools.

Bulgaria was liberated from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire during Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878, with the active participation of the Bulgarian militias.

In 1885, the reunification of Northern and Southern Bulgaria took place. This accelerated the growth of the economy, however, having embarked on the path of capitalist development as a backward country, Bulgaria was unable to maintain economic independence. The largest investments in its industry were made by Austria-Hungary and. Therefore, in the First World War, she took the side of the Austro-German bloc, and this further worsened the difficult economic situation of the country.

In 1923, a monarcho-fascist dictatorship was established in the country. These are the years of terror and lawlessness. In 1941 Bulgaria officially joined the fascist camp. And in 1944 Soviet troops with the support of the Bulgarian masses, they dealt the main blow to fascism. People's democratic power was established in the country.

The people's power carried out fundamental changes in all areas of the country's life. An agrarian revolution was carried out, private banks, factories, etc. were nationalized.

In 1948, as a result of political and socio-economic transformations, the prerequisites for building a socialist society in Bulgaria were created.

Great political and socio-economic transformations took place in the 90s. on the Balkan Peninsula and throughout Europe. They are connected with the collapse of the USSR; the CMEA and Warsaw Pact organizations, which included Bulgaria, collapsed.

In 1989, movements began towards the democratization of social and political life, which led to a change in the country's policy, the political system, and to fundamental changes in the economy.

Bulgaria belongs to the group of countries with a slow pace of reforms. The economic downturn is observed in all sectors of the economy. The transition to a market development model led to a change in the forms of ownership. A law was adopted on private ownership of land, means of production, and real estate. Bulgaria had close economic ties with the USSR, but after its collapse in 1991, these ties have undergone major changes. Currently, the country is establishing ties with European states that were part of the USSR.

From Bulgarian bu "lgar (Bulgarian man). In English language, "Bulgar", as a rule, is used only for Central Asia ancestors of modern Bulgarians.

Identification

The name "Bulgarian" or "Bulgarian" most likely comes from a Turkish verb meaning "to mix". Ethnic Bulgarians descend from the once merged Bulgars (or Proto-Bulgarians), the Turkic peoples of Central Asia, and the Slavs, inhabitants of Central Europe.

This confluence began in the 7th century AD in what is now northeastern Bulgaria. In addition to ethnic Bulgarians, there are also several ethnic minorities living here, the most numerous of which are Turks and Gypsies, as well as a small number of Armenians, Jews and others. The dominant national culture is that of the ethnic Bulgarians, and there is also little sense of a common national culture among three main ethnic groups.

Turks generally tend not to identify with Bulgarians, while Roma, on the contrary, often identify with them. Both groups are generally considered to be left out of the community of ethnic Bulgarians, in contrast to more assimilated national minorities such as Jews and Armenians.

However, all residents participate in one way or another in the national economy and state structure. Separation of bureaucratic political culture exists, it is formed and shapes the cultural practices of the constituent ethnic groups.

The emergence of a national

In the fifth century AD, the Slavs began to settle in the Thracian-occupied eastern plains Danube. In the seventh century, they, together with the Bulgars, invaded these possessions in order to gain control over a significant territory, which they defended from Byzantium in 681. As a result, they are recognized as the first Bulgarian state.

The Slavic and Bulgar elements realized that they were united in one ethno - cultural group, in particular, after the official adoption of Christianity (Greek model) in 846, which unified them around one common religion. Along with Christianization, literacy soon began to spread, and the development of Slavic writing began, which was created by the Bulgaro-Macedonian saints Cyril and Methodius. The local Slavic language became the language of liturgies and state power, diminishing Byzantium's ecclesiastical and cultural influence.

In the tenth century, it was ranked among the three most powerful and powerful empires in Europe. The Ottomans invaded Bulgaria in the 14th century and ruled the country for 500 years. In the last century of the Ottoman yoke, Bulgarian culture passed into the stage of "National Revival". Bulgarian schools and cultural centers were created at this time.

In 1870 the Bulgarian Church gained independence from Greek domination. The Outside World paid serious attention to the bloody repressions of the Ottoman government against the Bulgarians in April 1876, which led to an uprising in the Bulgarian state.

Hopes for the restoration of a large and strong Bulgaria collapsed after the signing of the Berlin Treaty in 1878, according to which a large number of ethnic Bulgarians were transferred to the jurisdiction of neighboring states. This division of Bulgaria was the cause of many conflicts in the Balkans. After the Second World War (1939-1945) a socialist government was established under the supervision of the USSR. The overthrow of Communist leader Teodor Zhivkov on November 10, 1989 accelerated the reform process and led to the destruction of socialism in 1990, as well as the creation of more democratic forms of government.

National identity

The Bulgarian national identity is based on the understanding that the Bulgarian nation (people) was formed and acquired some ethnic differences in the Middle Ages (as a result of the mixing of Slavs, Bulgars and other peoples). This identity persisted throughout the Ottoman yoke and formed the basis for an independent state.

The history of the struggle to recreate the Bulgarian state provided key symbols national identity.

Another premise is that ethnic and territorial boundaries must, one way or another, intersect. This sometimes led to territorial conflicts with neighboring states.

Moreover, this has a dual effect on the state and position of national minorities, since they do not have the same ethnic and historical ties with the Bulgarian state and its lands.

Ethnic relations in Bulgaria

Officially maintains friendly relations with neighboring countries. Relations with Macedonia, however, are complicated, as many Bulgarians see Macedonia as a historical territory of Bulgaria.

The liberation of Macedonia is a central element in the 19th century for the Bulgarian liberation movement and for the early nationalism of the 20th century. Ottoman Macedonia was partitioned between Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia in 1913. The Bulgarians claim the opposite: the majority of Macedonians were looking for an independent Macedonian state, which was realized only after the Second World War in Yugoslav Macedonia.

It quickly recognized the independence of Macedonia from Yugoslavia in 1991, but does not recognize the Macedonian culture as independent and autonomous. Since 1997, the Bulgarian government has recognized Macedonians as Bulgarians, and the existence of a Macedonian minority in Bulgaria is generally denied. Official and public concern about the issue of human rights (especially the issue of national self-identification) exists among Bulgarians living in neighboring countries, mainly in Serbia and Macedonia. Relations between the various ethnic groups in Bulgaria are somewhat tense, partly as a legacy of a brutal policy of assimilation under a socialist state, and partly because of ethnic Bulgarians' fear that national minorities could threaten the integrity of the state.

As a rule, the mixture of residents, their relations with members of other ethnic groups are quite friendly, although much depends on personal acquaintance with individuals.