Bulgarian history

Bulgarian history spans over a millennium, beginning with the First Bulgarian Empire in 681 AD, a powerful medieval state that fostered a rich cultural and religious identity. It was later conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1396, lasting nearly five centuries and impacting its culture and independence. Bulgaria reestablished sovereignty in 1878 after the Russo-Turkish War, forming a modern republic. Throughout the 20th century, it experienced political shifts, including communist rule and eventual transition to democracy in 1989. Today, Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, balancing its deep historical roots with contemporary development.