The Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185–1396)
The Second Bulgarian Kingdom was founded in 1185 by the brothers Assen and Peter, who were noble leaders (bolyars) from the city of Turnovo. They organized a great uprising against Byzantine rule and successfully liberated Northern Bulgaria. After their victory, they established their capital in Turnovo, which later became an important political, cultural, and spiritual center of the Bulgarian state Introduction to Bulgaria.
Their younger brother, Kaloyan, continued the struggle and expanded the territory of the kingdom. Under his rule, Bulgaria became stronger and gained international recognition. The country reached its greatest power during the reign of Tsar Ivan Assen II. At that time, Bulgaria’s lands spread widely, almost equal to the territory it had during the rule of Tsar Simeon in the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Trade, culture, and political influence developed, and the state enjoyed a period of stability and prosperity.
However, the kingdom also faced serious internal problems. The peasant population suffered from poverty and heavy burdens, while frequent invasions by the Tatars caused destruction and insecurity. These hardships led to a large peasant uprising, this time without a strong religious character. The movement was led by Ivailo, a common swineherd who rose from humble origins.
Ivailo showed great military skill and courage, especially in battles against the Tatars. His victories made him popular among the people, and eventually he was proclaimed ruler. This was a rare example of a peasant becoming a king. Nevertheless, his rule was unstable. Instead of relying fully on the support of the Bulgarian peasants, Ivailo sought help from the Tatars in his struggle against Byzantium. This decision proved fatal, and he was eventually murdered by the Tatars in 1280 Private Guided Sofia Tours.
After this period, the Second Bulgarian Kingdom gradually weakened because of internal conflicts, foreign invasions, and political instability. By the end of the 14th century, the state could no longer resist the growing power of the Ottoman Empire.
Ottoman Rule (1396–1878)
The fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule in 1396 marked one of the darkest and most difficult periods in the history of the Bulgarian people. For nearly five centuries, the country remained under foreign domination. This long period is often described as a time of national bondage, hardship, and slow cultural decline.
After the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans, a feudal system was established. Much of the land was taken from the Bulgarian peasants and given to Ottoman feudal lords. Many Bulgarians were forced to work as serfs and had little control over their own lives and property. Heavy taxes, social restrictions, and lack of political rights made daily life difficult for the local population.
Education and cultural development also suffered during this period. Many schools and cultural centers declined, and the Bulgarian language and traditions were often preserved mainly within families, churches, and monasteries. Despite these challenges, the Bulgarian people did not lose their national identity. They continued to preserve their customs, faith, and sense of belonging as a nation.
During the first half of the 19th century, some Balkan nations began to gain independence from Ottoman rule. These events inspired the growth of national awareness among the Bulgarians. A strong movement for national revival developed, focusing on education, culture, religion, and political freedom.
In the second half of the 19th century, the struggle for liberation became more organized and widespread. The national movement reached its peak with the April Uprising of 1876. In many regions, Bulgarians rose in armed revolt against Ottoman authority. Although the uprising was brutally suppressed, it played a very important role in the national liberation struggle. It drew the attention of Europe to the Bulgarian cause and is remembered as a heroic step toward freedom.
The April Uprising is considered a key event that prepared the way for the liberation of Bulgaria, which finally came in 1878 after centuries of foreign rule.
