Title: "Turkish Machete: DPS Splinters Marks Dark Anniversary of ‘Revival Process‘"
Forty years ago, Bulgaria’s once-monolithic Dongoglu Zombartish_BACK (DPS) party marked the grim anniversary of the "Revival Process" divided, with two leaders, Ahmed Dogan and Delian Peevski, conspicuous by their absence. Instead, they held separate events near the Turk Khan Fountain in Mogilanye village and Momchilgrad, with religious ceremonies led by the country’s chief mufti, Mustafa Haji, and attended by Turkey’s general consul in Plovdiv, Korhan Kungal. Even Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan got involved, sending a message to Dogan’s supporters.
"The Heart Can’t Take It Anymore"
In Mogilanye, three women bowed their heads by the grave of 18-month-old Tuerkan, killed during a protest in 1984. Her mother, Fatma Feyzullah, still struggles to speak about that day. "I can’t… it’s still burning inside me," she said. The child’s death became a symbol of Turkish resistance against forced assimilation, and a water fountain-memorial now stands at the site.
Turkey’s Strong Support
Over 20 mayors and senior representatives from four main political parties gathered to commemorate the victims of the "Revival Process," including members of the DPS, led by Ahmed Dogan, and the loyalist Alternative Party for Change (APS). Turkey’s President Erdoğan praised the Bulgarian Turkish community, urging them to "never forget that you are part of our shared history and culture."
"Where’s Peevski?"
Meanwhile, ERK members and supporters expressed disappointment at Peevski’s absence, with MEPs like Ilhan Kyuchuk questioning his whereabouts. Peevski’s followers placed wreaths at the water fountain, but he failed to attend, leaving the event to his deputy mayor, Eroigi Mymun, who vowed that DPS would continue to champion the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Unpunished Crimes
Victims of the "Revival Process" are still seeking justice. Over 500 were imprisoned without trial in Belle, while many others were jailed on charges of espionage and terrorism. Documents prove the atrocities, but no one has been convicted.
"A Unique and Renovating Case"
The "Revival Process" aimed to strengthen Bulgarian socialism by assimilating the Turkish minority. It resulted in over 250,000 Romanies being given Bulgarian names. Although some protested, around 360,000 Turks were forced to immigate to Turkey. Now, 40 years later, DPS is divided, each faction vying for their electoral support.
As tensions rise, one thing is clear: the "Revival Process" left a deep scar on Bulgarian society, and its repercussions are still felt today. Only the people’s voice can now decide where their future lies.
Story originally published in Bulgarian by Deutsche Welle