Хайдуклукът – основна характеристика на българския политически елит. Исторически корени
Hajduk activity – a defining characteristic of the Bulgarian political elite. Historical roots

Summary/Abstract: This article formulates the issue that contemporary Bulgarian politicians are perceived as hajduks1. This is the widespread opinion among Bulgarians. Moreover, politicians themselves share this view - each party accuses the others of being hajduks. The study explores the historical reasons for the hajduk activity within the Bulgarian political elite. It demonstrates the emerging Bulgarian counter-elite, of the late 18th and the early 19th centuries “absorbed” the hajduk practices from the decaying Ottoman elite, just as the clergy absorbed influences from the Greek clergy. The article examines the circumstances after Bulgaria’s Liberation thatcontributed to the persistence of hajduk mentality within the political elite. It also explains why, after September 9, 1944, individual hajduk practices were no longer tolerated and analyzes the reasons for their resurgence after November 10, 1989.

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