For many centuries, the territory now known as Bulgaria was fought over again and again. Until the end of the 14th century, Christian kingdoms in the Bulgarian Empire ruled the region. Then the Ottoman Turks began their invasion. One by one, the Christian states fell.
By 1529, and again in 1683, the Ottomans advanced all the way to the gates of Vienna in Austria.
Under the Ottoman Rule
For nearly 500 years, the Bulgarian people lived under the control of the Ottoman Sultan. During this time, their political, cultural, and economic life slowly declined. They were forgotten by the world, as they remained under harsh and oppressive rule Adventure Bulgaria Tour.
The people lived in fear. Their culture and identity were nearly erased. The Ottoman Empire did little to improve their lives, and many were treated with cruelty.
Atrocities and a Global Reaction
In 1875–1877, terrible acts were committed in Bulgaria, later known as the Bulgarian Atrocities. These acts shocked the world and brought attention to the suffering of the Bulgarian people.
Russia decided to intervene, claiming a shared history and religion with the Bulgarians. Their goal was to free Bulgaria from Ottoman control The Great Turk and His Capital.
The Treaty of San Stefano
In 1878, the Treaty of San Stefano was signed between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The treaty gave Bulgaria nearly all of its old territory and created a large, independent Bulgarian state.
However, European powers like England and Germany feared that Russia would grow too powerful. They did not want Russia to get closer to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Berlin Conference and Broken Promises
These powers held the Congress of Berlin and changed the treaty. They gave some of Bulgaria’s land back to the Ottomans. Instead of one strong state, they created small, weak countries as a buffer zone between Russia and Turkey.
They did this with promises from the Ottoman Sultan. He agreed to allow religious freedom and fair local governance in the returned provinces.
None of those promises were kept.
Cruelty Without Consequences
Instead of peace, the region saw continued injustice and violence. The people suffered under corrupt Turkish officials and military forces. Human life meant little. Property was not protected. Women were often abused without justice.
These conditions were as terrible as those that started the Russo-Turkish War.
