9th-century Bulgaria

In the 9th century, Bulgaria emerged as a powerful state in Southeast Europe. Under the leadership of Khan Boris I, the country converted to Christianity, which helped unify the diverse population and integrate with European culture. Boris I also encouraged the development of a written language, leading to the creation of the Glagolitic alphabet and later the Cyrillic script by scholars like Saints Cyril and Methodius. Bulgaria became a cultural and political center during this time, influencing the spread of Christianity and literacy in the region. This period laid the foundation for Bulgaria's future as a significant European power.