Introduction

In November 1989 Bulgaria started its transition from Soviet-type state socialism to parliamentary democracy and market economy. The following years confronted Bulgarian society with many hardships and challenges. Bulgarian Turks, as part of this society (they are about 700, 000, or just under 10 per cent of the population) not only faced the same difficulties, but also encountered even greater problems. The reasons for this are complex, but key among them was the socioeconomic character of the transition process. Thus, with a decreased role, the state could no longer direct economic development, and spent less money on social and national programs. Still other reasons are historic – the beginning of the transition period marked the end of the so-called ‘revival process’. This was the name communist propaganda gave to the campaign, which started at the end of 1984 and was the most serious attempt of the communist government to assimilate Bulgarian Turks by depriving them of their identity. Because of these historic reminiscences, the situation of Bulgarian Turks during the transition period can be properly analysed only when their experiences during the ‘revival process’ are taken into account.

Historical Background

Ottoman and Post-Ottoman Period Up to the Communist Takeover

The roots of the problem are deep in the past. At the end of fourteenth century, the Ottoman Turks conquered the Balkans. The medieval Bulgarian state ceased to exist and for 500 years, Bulgarians had to live within the borders of the mighty Ottoman Empire.