Historical Encyclopedia
The history of Bulgaria goes back centuries. The territory of modern Bulgaria has revealed traces of the earliest human settlements dating back to the Neolithic era. The Cucuteni–Trypillia culture that flourished in these lands left a significant legacy.
In the 6th century BC, Greek colonies began to appear on the territory of Bulgaria, such as Odessos (modern Varna) and Apollonia, which played an important role in trade and cultural exchange.
In 681 AD, the First Bulgarian Empire was founded, resulting from the unification of various Slavic and Turkic tribes. Its founder is considered to be khan Asparuh. The state quickly expanded and by the end of the 9th century encompassed significant territories in the Balkans.
Under Prince Boris I, who converted to Christianity in 865, Bulgaria became one of the first Slavic countries to adopt Christianity. This event played a key role in the formation of Bulgarian identity and culture.
In the 10th-11th centuries, Bulgaria experienced a flourishing period known as the Golden Age. Under Tsar Simeon I, the country reached the peak of its power, as well as cultural and scientific development. Simeon actively promoted education and literature, which led to the creation of the Slavic script by the brothers Cyril and Methodius.
Slavic literature and culture received new inspiration, and Bulgaria became an important cultural center in the Balkans.
In the early 12th century, Bulgaria was weakened by internal conflicts and external threats. In 1018, the kingdom was conquered by Byzantium and remained under its control for almost two centuries. This period was characterized by decline and loss of independence.
Only in 1185 did the Bulgarians rebel against Byzantine rule, resulting in the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire, which once again restored independence to the country.
However, in 1396, Bulgaria lost its independence again, this time as a result of the Ottoman conquest. The Ottoman Empire controlled Bulgaria for nearly five hundred years, which had a profound impact on its culture and society.
During this period, significant mixing of peoples and cultures occurred, leading to changes in language and traditions.
In the late 19th century, a movement for independence began, culminating in the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878 after the Russo-Turkish War. In 1908, Bulgaria declared full independence from the Ottoman Empire.
After World War I and World War II, Bulgaria underwent significant changes. In 1946, the People's Republic of Bulgaria was proclaimed, influenced by the Soviet Union.
Gradually, economic and social reforms took place in the country, although political repression remained present. Following the fall of the communist regime in 1989, Bulgaria began its path toward democratization and a market economy.
Today, Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic and has been a member of the European Union since 2007. The country actively participates in international affairs and continues to develop its economy and culture. Bulgaria is known for its rich cultural heritage, including folklore, music, and traditional crafts.
Modern Bulgaria maintains its identity, rooted in millennia of history that is the pride of its people.