Turkey - Bulgaria relationships (1923-1933)

ABSTRACT In the beginning of the 19 th century nationalist movements and rebellions within Europe began to spread out very quickly in the Ottoman Empire. With the encouragement of Russia which undertook the proctection of Orthodox Christians those activities turned into revolutionary character. Bulgaria which was encouraged by Russia's politics captured. Macedonia, Thrace, Dobruca. The aim of Bulgars was to build up "The Great Bulgaria ". Bulgaria had a switable opportunity in 1908 and declared her independence. After decleration of independence of Bulgaria there had been a lot of diplomatic crisis and tentions between the two countries. Those crises and tensions went up in the Balkan wars and ended when the First World War broke out. There two countries fought in the war as allies. The war caused their hopes to go wrong and their lands were shared and invaded by allied countries. After that Bulgaria followed Turks very carefully and supported them in their Independence War against imperialist countries. When the conditions went had in Europe and Balkans against Bulgaria, Bulgars tried to cooperate with their nextdoor neighbour Turkey. Turkey which became an indepedend country in the international literature with Lozan Treaty accepted Bulgaria's propasal and built up political relation between them. Italy which was dreaming to found the Old Roman Empire began to disturb the equilibrium in Europe and took part in Balkans caused Bulgaria to revise their peaceful politicy. Being affected by Musollini's speeches Bulgaria came colser to Italy. Turkey, being aware of Bulgar and Italian friendship began to follow a very careful policy. For this reason Turkey, signed nonaggression agrement with Bulgaria and Italy. In 1930's Turkey followed a respectful policy according the international principles, the independence of countries and their boundaries. Tukey's aim was " peace at home, peace in the world". Bulgaria sometimes has become supporter of this policy for country's benefits, sometimes she has clearly shown her attitude in contrast to "peace". The relationship between Bulgaria andTurkey continued up to this time sincerely althom there have been crises from time to time.