The Pomaks are a Muslim, Slavic-origin minority in Bulgaria who converted to Islam during the Ottoman rule between the 15th and 17th centuries.
With a population of around 150,000 to 200,000, they primarily live in the mountainous Rhodope region and northern Bulgaria. They speak Bulgarian but have consistently faced political and social challenges due to their distinct Islamic identity. The Pomak identity blends Slavic heritage and Islamic beliefs, setting them apart from Bulgaria’s Christian majority.
From Conversion to Communist Repression
The Ottoman era was a turning point in shaping Pomak identity. After the fall of Ottoman rule and the formation of modern Bulgaria, this Muslim minority came under increasing pressure. During Bulgaria’s communist regime (1960–1989), the government enforced harsh policies of cultural assimilation, including bans on Islamic names, the closure of mosques, and restrictions on religious practices. Many Pomaks were forced to adopt Christian names during this period.
Following the collapse of communism in 1989, the Pomaks managed to partially revive their religious identity, yet they continue to face deep-rooted challenges.
Current Challenges: Discrimination and Identity Erasure
Today, the Pomaks in Bulgaria grapple with several major issues. Islamophobia in Bulgarian media and political discourse has become a serious problem for this community. Restrictions on mosque construction and religious ceremonies further hinder their rights. Economically, Pomak-populated regions are often underdeveloped, with unemployment rates higher than the national average. Some Bulgarian nationalist parties actively deny the Pomaks’ distinct identity, referring to them merely as “Islamized Bulgarians.”
Cultural Resistance and International Support
Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope within the Pomak community. Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in mosques and Islamic schools in Pomak-majority areas. Pomak civil society groups are increasingly advocating for recognition of their ethnic identity. International bodies such as the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have repeatedly highlighted cases of discrimination against the Pomaks and emphasized the need to improve their conditions.
A Symbol of Cultural Resistance
As one of Bulgaria’s indigenous minorities, the Pomaks symbolize cultural resistance against forced assimilation. Their future hinges on two key factors: a shift in the Bulgarian government’s stance toward ethnic and religious minorities and continued international support. While the challenges remain significant, recent efforts by the Pomaks to preserve their identity and improve their living conditions paint a hopeful picture.
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