Bulgarian Exarchate

The Bulgarian Exarchate was a religious institution established in the late 19th century that aimed to represent and govern the Bulgarian Orthodox Christian community within the Ottoman Empire. Founded in 1870, it sought to gain autonomy from the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which had previously controlled Bulgarian churches. The Exarchate played a crucial role in the national revival, promoting education and culture among Bulgarians. Its establishment was a significant step towards Bulgarian independence, as it symbolized national identity and self-determination in a time of rising nationalism in the Balkans. The Exarchate was abolished in 1945 by the Communist regime in Bulgaria.