Understanding the Bulgarian Character

The Bulgarian is a complex individual, and to truly understand him, you must look beyond his surface appearance. He often comes across as serious, even gloomy, with a lack of visible refinement. His behavior can seem unkempt, and he tends to be direct in his manner, rarely using polite expressions like “thank you.” He dislikes the idea of being subordinate to others, so to avoid any hint of this, he might seem rude at times. He is often seen as stubborn and not easily moved by emotions or grand speeches. In business, he may appear slow, but he is a dedicated and hardworking person. He is particularly known for his skill in agriculture, making him one of the best farmers in the world. The Bulgarian may not be quick to express emotions, but he loves his country in a steady and determined way. Though he might not move fast, he is always moving forward. This consistent, determined nature is why Bulgaria has made steady progress since gaining its independence.

A History of Change and Conflict

The history of Bulgaria is full of change, much like a kaleidoscope, with different peoples and cultures influencing the country over time. The Romans were the first to make it a province, and after them, the Goths and Huns swept through the region. Many different tribes invaded Bulgaria, often fighting and killing each other. The main tribe that ruled the area was the Bulgari tribe, originally from the Volga region with a mixture of Asiatic ancestry. This tribe later mixed with the Slavs, and the Bulgarian people are more Slav than they realize, though they may not be aware of it Adventure Bulgaria Tour.

The Bulgarian language originally belonged to the Slavic group and still retains many Slavic elements today. However, over time, influences from other groups, such as the Vlach and Russians, changed it. While modern Bulgarian is a Slavic language, it has been affected by outside influences, much like how the English language absorbed words from other cultures. Despite these changes, Bulgarian remains a language with a solid identity.

The Struggle for Independence

The Bulgarians’ history also involves a series of struggles for independence. In the 12th century, the various Bulgarian tribes united and threw off Byzantine rule, only to later fall under the control of the Serbian empire. Eventually, both Bulgaria and Serbia were conquered by the Ottoman Turks, and for nearly 500 years, the country remained under Turkish control.

However, in the late 19th century, Russia, interested in controlling access to the Bosphorus, became the liberator of Bulgaria. After significant battles, including the Siege of Plevna and the defense of Shipka Pass, Russia helped free Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The Treaty of Berlin in 1878 officially recognized Bulgaria as an autonomous and tributary principality, though it still remained under the nominal control of the Sultan.

Through centuries of foreign rule, conflict, and change, the Bulgarian people have developed a unique identity characterized by resilience, hard work, and a deep, quiet love for their homeland. Despite facing many challenges, they have shown steady progress, and today, Bulgaria continues to move forward, driven by the same determination that has always defined the Bulgarian spirit.