There’s a delusional “community note”under this post. It falsely claims that “Bulgarians preserved their language and faith because of Ottoman Empire's self- governing Millet Policy.”
The Ottoman Empire lasted for some 600 years -- from 1299 to 1923 -- and included parts of Asia, Europe and Africa.
During this period, the Ottoman Empire engaged in practices such as,
- the ghulam system, in which non-Muslims were enslaved, converted and trained to become warriors and statesmen;
- the devshirme system, which was the forced recruitment of Christian boys taken from their families, converted to Islam and enslaved for service to the sultan in his palace and to join his janissaries ("new corps");
- forced conversions to Islam, resulting from social, religious and economic pressure;
- and the sexual slavery of women, girls, and young boys.
Yet, many Turks still believe the myth that the Ottoman Empire brought "justice, freedom, and prosperity" to its subjects. That’s exactly what I was taught in middle school. The Turkish education system isn't teaching history—it’s actively gaslighting students and manufacturing delusion.
Breaking free from that systemic brainwashing is the real education.
Despite nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule, Bulgaria preserved its language, Orthodox faith and core cultural traditions.
This is the unbreakable spirit of Bulgarian heritage! 🛡️🇧🇬
#BulgarianHeritage #Bulgaria