| Egvenia Ivanova New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria) [j_lubivanova@abv.bg] | Download https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18078336 |
Abstract: The text examines the question of why, during the Ottoman period, certain distinctly Bulgarian villages evoked in their contemporaries a sense of “unrestricted freedom.” According to the author, the explanation lies in the privileges granted through special sultanic firmans and – above all – in the economic prosperity achieved by many of the villagers. Owing to their extensive commercial activities, they were able to travel across Europe and Asia, cultivating the self-perception of free individuals. Yet the confidence inherited from their forefathers ultimately proved insufficient for the younger generation, who aspired to possess a state of their own.The illusion of statehood briefly emerged during the April Uprising – during “the drunkenness of a nation,” a moment in which freedom was realized as a form of play.
Keywords: Ottoman Rule; Bulgarian Villages; Privileges and Firmans; Economic Prosperity; National Awakening; April Uprising.
- Declaration by Authors
- Ethical Approval: Approved
- Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.