Islam, State and Society in Bulgaria: New Freedoms, Old Attitudes?

This article explores stagnation and change in state policies towards the Muslim population in post-Communist Bulgaria. The analysis focuses on the institutional reshuffling of state–mosque relations, as well as hard to change stereotypes and practices. The dynamic and persistent aspects of these relations are placed in the context of complex ethno-religious divisions, legacies of nation-state building, and new trends of Islamic revival. The analysis draws on primary and secondary sources, including a 2011 representative survey on Muslims’ attitudes. Our findings suggest that the state’s forceful attempts to ‘integrate’ Muslims have shaped a historical pattern of hostility and distrust among the state and various sections that make up the Muslim community. The post-Communist democratic regime has formalized new religious freedoms and equal treatment of different denominations. Despite substantial changes, formal and informal privileges awarded to the majority—Bulgarian Orthodox Church—complicate the guarantee of equality; collective memories continue to nurture pejorative stereotypes of Muslim ‘others’; while Muslims themselves display various forms of religiosity and new religious zeal.