Historical Encyclopedia
Formation of Bulgarian Identity: Proto-Bulgarians and Slavs
The emergence of the Bulgarian state is associated with the merging of two key ethnic groups: the proto-Bulgarians and the Slavs. The proto-Bulgarians were a nomadic people who came from the east, while the Slavs began actively settling in the Balkans from the 6th century. Their interaction and alliance ultimately led to the creation of the Bulgarian nation and state.
Proto-Bulgarians originated from the steppes of Central Asia and migrated westward in search of new territories. In the 7th century, they settled in the northern Black Sea area and the Danube Plain. Their leader Khan Asparukh played a key role in the formation of Bulgarian statehood by uniting the proto-Bulgarians with local Slavic tribes that had settled in the Balkans earlier.
The Slavs, on the other hand, arrived in the Balkans from Eastern and Central Europe. By the mid-7th century, Slavic tribes began actively settling in areas that later became the territory of Bulgaria, including the Danube Plain and the foothills of the Stara Planina. The Slavs quickly established good relations with the proto-Bulgarians, and this alliance played an important role in the further political and cultural development of the region.
The Creation of the First Bulgarian Empire
In 681, Khan Asparukh, the leader of the proto-Bulgarians, founded the First Bulgarian Empire in the territory between the Danube River and the Balkans. This event marked the birth of Bulgaria as an independent state recognized by Byzantium, which at the time was a powerful empire and a rival to the new Balkan formations.
After a series of military campaigns against Byzantium, Asparukh managed to establish himself in the territory of modern Northern Bulgaria, and Byzantium was forced to recognize his state. This recognition was documented in a treaty from 681, which is considered the official date of the establishment of the Bulgarian Empire.
The First Bulgarian Empire quickly became one of the strongest powers in the Balkans. It included not only proto-Bulgarians and Slavs but also other peoples inhabiting the region. The state gradually expanded its territories and strengthened its positions both politically and economically. An important task in the early stages of its formation was the integration of different peoples and the establishment of a unified legal and administrative system.
The Adoption of Christianity and the Strengthening of Bulgarian Statehood
An important milestone in the history of the First Bulgarian Empire was the adoption of Christianity in the 9th century under the rule of Prince Boris I. Before this time, proto-Bulgarians and Slavs had their pagan beliefs, but to strengthen the state and integrate into the European community, it was necessary to adopt a commonly accepted religion.
Prince Boris I converted to Christianity in 864 and baptized his country, which was a vital step in enhancing Bulgarian statehood and gaining recognition from other Christian powers. The adoption of Christianity also contributed to the cultural development of the country, as the church began to play a significant role in the educational and cultural life of Bulgaria. It was during this period that the first written sources in Old Church Slavonic appeared.
One of the most important events for Bulgaria during this period was the creation of the Slavic alphabet — Cyrillic, which happened with the support of Prince Boris I. Saints Cyril and Methodius developed the Glagolitic script, and their disciples in Bulgaria, such as Clement of Ohrid, spread this writing and adapted it to the needs of the Bulgarians. This provided a powerful impetus for the development of literature and enlightenment in Bulgaria and strengthened its cultural independence.
The Golden Age of Bulgaria under Tsar Simeon I
The reign of Tsar Simeon I (893–927) is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Bulgaria. During this time, the state reached its highest peak both politically and culturally. Simeon I transformed Bulgaria into one of the leading European powers of that time, and the capital Preslav became a center of culture, science, and religion.
Simeon I led successful military campaigns against Byzantium, expanding the borders of Bulgaria to the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. He managed to create a powerful state that controlled a significant part of the Balkans. In the political life of the country, Simeon sought to strengthen his power and create conditions for long-term prosperity. In foreign policy, Bulgaria became a significant player on the international stage.
The cultural flourishing during this period was unprecedented. Literature, art, and architecture thrived at the court of Simeon. Bulgaria became the center of Slavic culture, and the Church Slavonic language turned into one of the most important literary languages of the Christian world. It was during this time that works such as "Zlatostrui" and "Shestodnev" were written, which became part of the golden fund of medieval Bulgarian literature.
The Decline of the First Bulgarian Empire and the Byzantine Conquest
After the death of Simeon I, Bulgaria began to gradually weaken under the pressure of internal conflicts and external threats. His successors failed to maintain the power of the state, and in the 11th century, the country faced a series of serious challenges. One of the main threats came from Byzantium, which sought to regain control over the Balkans.
In 1018, after prolonged military campaigns, Byzantium managed to conquer Bulgaria. This marked the end of the First Bulgarian Empire, and Bulgaria came under Byzantine rule. This period was characterized by Byzantine domination; however, Bulgarian national consciousness continued to exist despite Byzantium's attempts to integrate the region into its empire.
Although Byzantine rule lasted nearly two centuries, it was unable to completely suppress the Bulgarians' aspiration for freedom. By the 12th century, the process of restoring Bulgarian statehood began, culminating in the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire in 1185 as a result of the uprising led by the Asen brothers.
Conclusion
The emergence of the Bulgarian state is an important milestone in the history of the Balkans and Europe. The First Bulgarian Empire, founded by Khan Asparukh, became a powerful state that played a significant role in the politics and culture of the region. The adoption of Christianity, the development of Slavic writing, and the cultural flourishing under Simeon I all left a deep mark on the history of Bulgaria and Europe. Despite the fall under the pressure of Byzantium, the Bulgarian nation preserved its identity and later managed to restore its statehood, demonstrating its cultural and political viability.