Bulgarian Turks mark 41 years since Revival Process protests

In Ardino, Kardzhali Province, Bulgaria’s Turkish community marked the 41st anniversary of protests against the forced change of names during the so-called Revival Process. Wreaths were laid at commemorative plaques in the villages of Bashevo and Gorno Prahovo on behalf of the Municipal Council of DPS – New Beginning in Ardino, the correspondent Valya Apostolova reported.

Organisers said that on 23 December 1984, preparations began for the first rally against the policy, which sought to assimilate Bulgaria’s Muslim minority by changing their Turkish and Arabic names.

Similar commemorations are planned across Kardzhali Province in the coming days, with the largest taking place on 26 December near the village of Mogilyane in Kirkovo municipality.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova