Communist Resettlement Policies in Bulgaria (1944–1956)
Between 1944 and 1956, the Bulgarian Communist Party implemented extensive resettlement policies aimed at consolidating power and suppressing opposition. These measures forcibly relocated thousands of families, particularly targeting those deemed hostile to the regime.
Mass Resettlement from Cities and Border Regions
According to a joint report by the Speaker of the House and the Minister of the Interior, from 9 September 1944 to August 1953, 7,025 families comprising 24,624 individuals were forcibly relocated from major cities and border areas. Specifically, 2,548 families (5,075 individuals) were moved from Sofia, and 4,208 families (18,315 individuals) from border regions and district centers Istanbul Day Trip.
Reasons for Forced Relocation
The primary reasons for resettlement included:
Relatives of individuals who had fled to the West: 2,397 families (9,739 individuals).
Individuals considered ‘enemies of the people’: 4,359 families (13,651 individuals).
Other unspecified reasons 169 families (1,224 individuals).
Confidential Ordinance for Further Resettlement
In March 1953, Georgi Tzankov, Minister of the Interior, issued a confidential ordinance targeting families of individuals who had fled or were considered enemies of the regime. The ordinance mandated the identification and internment of these families from cities like Sofia, Bourgas, Varna, Plovdiv, and border regions, confining them to settlements in the interior of the country.
Renewed Resettlement During the 1956 Hungarian Uprising
The Hungarian Uprising of 1956 prompted the Bulgarian authorities to renew their resettlement policies. In response to perceived threats and to prevent potential uprisings, the regime intensified efforts to relocate individuals and families deemed disloyal or subversive.
The Bulgarian Communist Party’s resettlement policies were a strategic tool used to eliminate opposition, control populations, and suppress dissent. These actions resulted in significant human suffering and displacement, leaving lasting scars on the affected communities.
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