Bulgaria During Ottoman Rule

Neli Ivanova

E 1102

July 28, 2009

Bulgaria During Ottoman Rule

Being born in Bulgaria, there is a special appreciation for the beauty its land has to offer; the views and the historical sights that could never be forgotten, and the history behind Bulgaria of how it came to stand today as its own nation. Bulgaria is distinctive as a country, because of its geography, language, people and history. Bulgaria is an example of courage for the entire world, even today.

My grandfather always told stories on the dinner table about Bulgaria's struggle throughout the Ottoman rule, the battles that took place in the very town he grew up in. A vivid description of how Bulgaria's mountainous area was once a battle field between the Turks' passion for power and the Bulgarian's pride for their nation. He shared his knowledge with his grandchildren, in hopes of touching them with the passion of history he possesses.

Located between Romania, Greece, Serbia and the western coast of the Black Sea, lays present day Bulgaria. Rich in mountainous terrain and beautiful breath-taking valleys, Bulgaria is admired for its scenery and natural beauty. The people of Bulgaria hold their flag high. Having been under the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years, Bulgarians take great pride in the continuity of their culture, churches and language.

Bulgaria was first established by a group of people called Thracians. Thracians constructed an empire named Thrace, which was one of the very first empires in Bulgaria. The empire covered all of present day Bulgaria, Romania and majority of the Balkan Peninsula. The Thracians loved music, literature and philosophy. They also loved war, so much that they killed their neighbors if they wished. Not long after the Thrace empire had been created, Macedonians took over, and the empire slowly became history. "The first Bulgar state was founded in 681 A.D." (Bulgaria). "In 681, Bulgar Khan or Prince Asparuhk broke with the Byzantine Empire, which had previously dominated his people, and established the First Bulgarian Kingdom" (Otfinoski 12). Not long after the Bulgarian Kingdom was built, it was overtaken by the Byzantines Empire in 1018. By 1186, Bulgarians were able to break away and establish a Second Bulgarian Kingdom under leader Ivan I. The Kingdom grew with Czar Kaloyan, the son, and Ivan II, the grandson. Ivan II came to control all of the Balkan Peninsula, aside from Greece. He ruled the Peninsula until 1241. (Otfinoski 12).

Bulgaria continued on to develop a Slavic language and Christian Orthodox churches, until the Ottoman Empire overtook the nation in the 13th century. The Ottoman Empire covered a large area of Europe including, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria and majority of Romania.