Bulgaria

Islam in Bulgaria is the second-largest religion after Eastern Orthodox Christianity and has deep historical roots.

Historical Background:

  • Islam was introduced to Bulgaria during the Ottoman rule (14th century – 1878), when the region was part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 500 years.
  • Many ethnic Turks settled in Bulgaria, and some local Bulgarians (like the Pomaks) converted to Islam during this period.
  • After Bulgaria gained independence from Ottoman rule, the Muslim population remained, forming a significant minority.

Muslim Communities in Bulgaria:

  • Ethnic Turks – The largest Muslim group; they speak Turkish and practice Sunni Islam (Hanafi school).
  • Pomaks – Ethnic Bulgarians who converted to Islam during Ottoman times; they speak Bulgarian and follow Sunni Islam.
  • Roma Muslims (also called “Horahane Roma”) – A section of the Roma (Gypsy) community who are Muslims.

Religious Life:

  • The majority of Muslims in Bulgaria are Sunni (Hanafi).
  • There is also a small number of Shi’a Muslims and members of various Sufi orders.
  • Islam in Bulgaria is administered by the Grand Mufti’s Office, which organizes mosques, education, and Islamic activities.
  • The largest mosque is the Banya Bashi Mosque in Sofia, built in the 16th century.

Current Status:

  • Muslims make up approximately 10-13% of Bulgaria’s population (as per the 2021 census and estimates).
  • They mostly live in southeastern and northeastern regions and the Rhodope Mountains.
  • Bulgaria’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, but some discrimination and social tensions exist.
  • Islamic schools (madrasas) and cultural organizations operate, but some restrictions and suspicion toward Islamic groups (especially those viewed as “foreign-influenced”) remain.

Challenges:

  • Secularism, modernization, and youth migration to Western Europe have led to religious decline in some Muslim communities.
  • There have been political debates about Muslim religious rights, hijab bans in schools, and concerns over radicalization, though Bulgaria has not experienced major Islamic extremism incidents.

Interesting Fact:
Bulgaria is the only EU country with a sizeable native Muslim population that has been present for centuries (not due to recent migration), making it unique in the European context.

Bulgaria
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .bg
Country Code: +359