Turkish - Bulgarian relations on the eve of World War I

The Turkish- Bulgarian Relations intensified in this period because of the impact of Balkan Wars on Bulgaria and the common interests of Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire in this period. An inclination of Bulgaria towards Ottoman Empire is observed in this period. Bulgaria was intent to build good relations with Ottoman Empire because of the fact that it was heavily defeated by Serbia, Greece and Romania in the First Balkan War and because of the fact that it was disappointed due to the fact that even Russia took the side of Romania against it. Bulgarian and Ottoman relations were promoted in the aftermath of Balkan Wars. The reason behind the promotion of relations between the two countries is based on the mutual interests and the desire of both parties to recover the missed opportunities in the past.The need to take part in one group of countries organized just before the World War I urged the Ottoman Empire to take action. Having failed in taking part in Allied Powers,Ottoman Empire signed the Turkish- German Friendship Pact on 2 July 1914.After signing the Pact, Germany wanted Ottoman Empire to attack Russia together with Bulgaria and Romania. Seeing that German make impression on Ottoman Empire after signing the Pact, İstanbul (Ottoman Empire) sought ways to make alliance agreement with Sophia and Bucharest. In the next phases, the Turkish- Bulgarian relations depend on Ottoman Empire?s attempt to make Bulgaria its alley.Key Words:1- Bulgarians2- Bulgaria3- Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire4- The Balkans5- World War I and Bulgaria