Ilhan Kyuchyuk: The so-called “Revival process” was an attempt to erase identity

“These days mark 40 years since the so-called ‘Revival Process’ – a cynical name for the attempt at total assimilation of the Turks in Bulgaria.” This was stated by MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk in Strasbourg, drawing attention to one of the most painful events in Bulgaria’s recent history.

In his speech, Kyuchyuk emphasized that the so-called “Revival Process” was not an isolated event, but had its precedents in the forced assimilation of Pomaks (Bulgarian Muslims) during the 1960s and 1970s.

“What does the ‘Revival Process’ mean? It’s hard to explain in 30 seconds, but let me try: you are born Ilhan, and a few years later, you are renamed Iliyan. It’s different, isn’t it? You speak your mother tongue and realize you have to pay a fine for doing so. That’s what my parents had to do. And when you refuse to comply, you’re beaten. When you refuse again – more beatings, prison, and concentration camps. That’s how an identity is erased.”

Kyuchyuk described these events as part of the “dark pages” of Bulgarian history and expressed regret that, to this day, there has been no justice for the victims of these repressions.

Speaking from Alsace – the symbolic place of reconciliation between France and Germany, he underlined:

“If you ask me whether the Bulgarian state has done enough – it has done almost nothing. Bulgarian justice has dealt with everything but this, failing to provide answers to the difficult questions that still remain.”

Ilhan Kyuchyuk concluded his statement with a call for historical justice and for the restoration of the dignity of those affected by these tragic events.

Тази публикация е достъпна и на следните езици: Bulgarian