Dreaming in Bulgarian

"Dreaming in Bulgarian" explores the feeling of identity of the Bulgarian diaspora living in the historical region of Bessarabia within Moldova and Ukraine, focusing on the community's traditions and daily life and revealing the multi-layered cultural and historical context of the area.

Tens of thousands of Bulgarians migrated from the Bulgarian territories to Bessarabia after the Russo-Turkish wars of 1806–1812 and 1828–1829 to escape Ottoman raids. Another reason for this resettlement was a policy of the Russian Empire to settle Bessarabia with a population that would improve the border region of the empire. The Bessarabian Bulgarians have since established roots in the region and absorbed elements of other cultures. But to this day, they have preserved their native language and traditions.

The turmoil of historical events turned Bessarabia into a bargaining chip for peace treaties following all the major European wars in the 19th and 20th centuries. In some families, three subsequent generations were born in the very same house, but in three different countries. After World War II, the entire region fell under Soviet rule. The collapse of the Soviet Union created a new border and divided Bessarabia between Moldova and Ukraine.

Belonging to a particular ethnicity, family and home became a shelter from the turbulent passage of historical events.

Today, between 250,000 and 300,000 people identify as Bulgarians in Moldova and Ukraine, but the population rapidly decreases due to economic challenges and the war in Ukraine. The post-Soviet shock is still being felt in this economically neglected region, and people are again migrating in search of a livelihood in larger cities or abroad. Those who remain take pride in their ability to preserve the traditions of their ancestors and feel a special connection to their homeland.