Изселването на таврийските българи през 1945 г.: между национална принадлежност и политическа лоялност
The Deportation of the Taurian Bulgarians in 1945: Between National Belonging and Political Loyalty

Summary/Abstract: The article delves into the complexities of interactions between Bulgarian and Soviet administrations in the aftermath of World War II, focusing on the repatriation of Soviet citizens from various ethnic groups, notably the Taurian Bulgarians. It reveals contrasting approaches, reflecting discord in perceptions of Bulgarian state legitimacy and individual loyalty. Bulgaria adheres to legal frameworks and Allied commitments, while the Soviets prioritize eliminating potential threats, often exceeding normative boundaries. The punitive nature of Taurian Bulgarian repatriation stands out among general repatriation efforts. Bulgarian citizenship of the targeted group is recognized by Bulgarian authorities along with its guarantee of state protection and the right to reside within state territory. This application of continuity clashes with the Soviet command’s priority to cleanse the territory of elements potentially threatening the new political order. The transition from voluntary to forced relocation underscores the gap between Bulgarian and Soviet concepts of national belonging, highlighting broader issues surrounding political allegiance and the treatment of marginalized groups in the post-war era.

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