The Bulgarian Empires

First Bulgarian Empire (681–1018)

In the year 681, Khan Asparuh founded the First Bulgarian Empire — the oldest existing state in Europe that has never changed its name. The Proto-Bulgarians (Turkic people) merged with the Slavic tribes and the remaining Thracians to form a new nation.

Under Tsar Simeon I (893–927), Bulgaria experienced its Golden Age: The empire stretched from the Adriatic to the Black Sea, and the capital Preslav rivaled Constantinople. The Cyrillic script was further developed and spread in Bulgaria by the disciples of Cyril and Methodius — today, it is used by over 250 million people worldwide.

Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1393)

After a period of Byzantine rule, Bulgaria regained its independence in 1185. The new capital Veliko Tarnovo became a magnificent residence, and the fortress Tsarevets became the center of power. Under Tsar Ivan Asen II (1218–1241), the Second Empire reached its greatest extent and cultural flourishing.

The increasing weakening due to internal conflicts made Bulgaria vulnerable to Ottoman expansion. Tarnovo fell in 1393, and by 1396 all of Bulgaria was under Ottoman control — the beginning of almost 500 years of foreign rule.

Ottoman Rule (1396–1878)

The nearly five-hundred-year Ottoman rule is the most defining chapter of Bulgarian history — and the most painful. The Bulgarian aristocracy was eliminated, churches were converted into mosques, and Bulgarian culture was suppressed. At the same time: The Ottomans brought a functioning administration, trade routes, and architectural works — the mosques, baths, and bridges that are still preserved today.

In the 18th/19th century, Bulgarian national consciousness awakened: The Bulgarian Revival (Văzrazhdane) brought schools, literature, architecture, and eventually armed resistance. The April Uprising of 1876 was bloodily suppressed (the "Massacre of Batak" shocked all of Europe), but it triggered the Russo-Turkish War. On March 3, 1878, Bulgaria was liberated by the Treaty of San Stefano — March 3 is still a national holiday today.