Understanding the Degree of Difference in Return Migration: Bulgaria’s Turkish Minority Returning as Pensioners to the Country
Understanding the Degree of Difference in Return Migration: Bulgaria’s Turkish Minority Returning as Pensioners to the Country

Author(s): Nuri Korkmaz
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology, Migration Studies
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Return Migration; Turkish Minority; Bulgaria
Summary/Abstract: In 1989 when the so called big excursion begun the image of Bulgaria changed dramatically in Europe. Assimilationist policies implemented by the Bulgarian Communist Party resulted with the massive expulsion of ethnic Turks. At that time this migration wave was called as “big excursion” by the communists since almost 390.000 Turks left the country for Turkey. In the following years Bulgaria suffered loss of GDP at very large rates and became the land where everyone tried to run away in search of a better future. Late 1990’s and early 2000’s marked new period for the country where the transition to democracy became more solid through the European integration process and resulting with the EU membership. Citizenship rights of the Turks were restored and most of them decided to visit Bulgaria at least as tourists in order to see their houses and birth places again. However, the Turks living in the villages of Rhodope Mountains began to use their houses in Bulgaria as summer residences. Slowly, houses that were abandoned during the 1989 migration were reconstructed and made suitable to live in again. Today, there are many Turks who are pensioners in Turkey and live in Bulgaria during certain period of the year due to the nature and enjoying organic agriculture practices. Their presence in the region contributes to the local economy as it gets very busy during the summer period. Nevertheless, big part of these people are aging, they need special health care facilities in villages and other remote areas which are less accessible than the cities. This paper aims to analyze the situation of returnees among the Turks of Bulgaria and what type of problems they face during this process.

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