The Reign of John and Peter Assen

A Golden Age

The reign of John and Peter Assen marked a brilliant period in Bulgarian history. Art and literature flourished as never before, and commerce developed greatly. Bulgaria once again became a respected and feared power abroad. The country enjoyed stability and prosperity while the Assen dynasty ruled, and the empire regained its strength and influence in the Balkans.

Decline of the Assen Dynasty

Unfortunately, this period of glory did not last. The Assen dynasty ended in 1237, and Bulgaria fell into the hands of usurpers. Once more, the country became divided, and several leaders, including Roman, George Terter, and Michael Shishman, tried to restore dynasties and protect Bulgaria. Despite their efforts, they failed to maintain unity City Tours Istanbul.

During this time, neighboring powers threatened Bulgaria from all sides. The Serbs attacked from the west, the Magyars from the north, and the Turks, already settled in the south of the peninsula, began to expand their control.

Ottoman Conquest

Bulgaria’s political independence ended as a result of the famous and tragic Battle of Kossovo in 1393. After this defeat, Bulgaria became a province of the Ottoman Empire. Soon afterward, the Bulgarian Church lost its autonomy and became subject to the Phanar in Constantinople, which controlled spiritual matters.

Life under Ottoman Rule

Under Ottoman rule, Bulgarians, like all other Christian peoples in the Balkans, lived under political and religious subjugation. Europe, preoccupied with its own wars, remained mostly ignorant of the suffering of the Christians in the Ottoman Empire. The domination was not only political but also cultural and spiritual, affecting every aspect of life.

Despite centuries of foreign rule, the Bulgarian people preserved their language, faith, and traditions, keeping alive the hope of eventual freedom. The Ottoman period, though harsh, is a crucial chapter in Bulgarian history, showing the resilience and endurance of the nation.