In the sixth session of the Istanbul Forum Talks, Vedat Sabri Ahmed, the President of the Supreme Islamic Council of the Republic of Bulgaria, was hosted. In his speech, Ahmed shed light on the history of Muslims in Bulgaria and stated that the region became acquainted with Islam after the arrival of the Turks in the 11th century. He pointed out that Sarı Saltuk and other Yesevi dervishes spread Islam in the Varna and Dobrich regions, emphasizing that the Ottoman Empire period was a decisive era in the Islamization of Bulgaria. During the Ottoman period, the Yörüks and Muslim Turks settled in cities, building mosques and neighborhoods, which led to the establishment of a significant Muslim population.
Ahmed mentioned that Bulgarian Muslims had been subjected to migrations throughout history, yet many of them continued to remain in the country. According to the latest census, he noted that there are 1.2 million Muslims in Bulgaria. He also emphasized that Muslims built their religious identity through civilization elements such as mosques, madrasas, and tekkes, recalling prominent scholars such as Osman Keskinoğlu, İsmail Ezherli, and Ahmet Davutoğlu who grew up in these madrasas, highlighting this cultural heritage.
Ahmed stated that during the Communist era, many elements of Islamic civilization in Bulgaria were harmed, with mosques and cultural institutions being closed, and the identity of the Muslim Turkish community being damaged for 40 years. He stressed the importance of remembering and strengthening relationships on the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bulgarian Muslims who resisted the ban on Muslim names. Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of ongoing efforts in education and culture, and the opening of new educational institutions to revive this heritage.
Finally, Ahmed mentioned that strengthening relations between Turkey and Bulgaria would contribute to the reawakening of their shared Islamic history. He stressed that initiatives like the Istanbul Forum offer an important opportunity for promoting Bulgarian Muslims and enhancing scientific, political, and cultural exchanges. Ahmed concluded by stating that these efforts are crucial for future cooperation.
