KUN0062 4 GEN 0470 KUWAIT /KUNA-CNS6 HIS-BULGARIA-MUSLIMS Bulgarian Muslims revive traditions Report by Mohammad Baqari SOFIA, Oct 13 (KUNA) -- Bulgaria knew Islam during the Ottoman occupation of the region since over six centuries, an occupation that lasted for 500 years. This occupation, however, was not for a religious purpose but for more political power for the Ottoman empire. Bulgarian historian Georgi Bakalov said the truth of the matter was that the Ottomans in the Middle East started their march against the Balkan region and succeeded in occupying parts of the territories controlled by the Byzantine empire. Bulgaria, he added, was under the Ottoman control in 1396-1878. During that period, the Bulgarians were divided into two parts, the first accepted Islam by force while the other accepted the new religion voluntarily, according to Islamic history professor at Sofia University Yordan Peev. Those who accepted Islam by force are called the "Bulgarian Turks." They are located in the towns and villages near the Turkish borders. The others, called the Bumacs, or the Bulgarian Muslims, are located in the western mountain areas and extend into the Greek territories. The Russians liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman occupation and the country endorsed the principles of communism in 1945. The activities of Muslims, therefore, were fading away just like any other faith, Christianity or judaism. The Bumacs were exposed to strict communist rules and were left without social care, and deprived from their industrial and commercial jobs. Historian Rocho Rachiv said the former communist authorities were deliberately raising conflicts between the Bulgarian Muslims. However, following the political and democratic changes in Bulgaria in 1989, the religious life was returning to normal and the Bulgarian Muslims began practicing their rituals. There are around two million Muslims out of Bulgaria's eight million people. They make up 70 percent of workers in the agricultural sectors and those working to produce cigarettes and pottery. With more democratic openness, a movement was formed seeking rights and freedoms of Bulgarian Muslims. This movement seeks parliamentary representation to enable the Muslims regain their properties seized by the former communist regime. This movement has now became the third largest force in the parliament and has been participating in the ruling coalition for the past eight years. A value was added when the Bulgarian Turks and the Bumacs united. Microphones were re-used to call for prayers and a speech for the Muslims' Mufti can be heard in the media during holy occasions. All 1,100 mosques that were closed during the era of communism were reopened. Under the communist regime, a maximum of 10 mosques were allowed to open. (end) mbq.bs KUNA 131945 Oct 05NNNN