Bulgarians and the Aryan Myth: Hitler’s Perception and Misconceptions

The perceived racial and ethnic classification of Bulgarians during the Nazi era is a complex and often misunderstood topic. Historically, Nazis viewed certain Slavic peoples, particularly the Bulgarians, as having a unique status, but this classification was rooted in broader racial ideologies and misconceptions.

Hitler's View of Bulgarian Slavs

Notably, fascist Germany singled out Bulgarian Slavs as one of the few Slavic peoples deemed 'semi-pure' and worthy of protection. This distinction is particularly intriguing given the historical alliances and connections between Bulgaria and Germany. During World War II, the Bulgarian government aligned with Nazi Germany, which likely influenced Hitler's leniency toward the Bulgarian Slavs.

Even after the pro-Nazi government was replaced by the more neutral Zveno government, Hitler continued to support and preserve the exiled Bulgarian royal family. This further underscores the perceived favorable treatment of the Bulgarian Slavs by the Nazi leadership.

Origins and Ethnic Composition of Bulgarians

Bulgarians, often referred to as the 'Land of Mixed Tribes,' are a complex ethnic group with roots traced back to the Thracians, an ancient Proto-European people known for their supposed 'Aryan' heritage. The term 'Bulgarian' comes from the Turkic Bulgar tribes, while the language owes much to the Slavic influence. This linguistic and ethnic mix has led to some confusion, especially considering the use of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is associated with Eastern Slavic languages.

While Bulgarians share historical and cultural ties with other Slavic groups, they have distinct and substantial connections to the Thracians and other indigenous European peoples. In fact, Bulgarian genetics reveal a higher percentage of 'Celtic' gene than 'Bulgarian/Slav' genes, challenging traditional notions of ethnic purity.

Racial Classification by the Nazis

Nazi racial theorization was highly complex, classifying Europeans into several broad groups:

Bulgarians were classified as belonging to the Alpine and Mediterranean groups, aligning them more with the 'Celtic' and 'Southern European' types rather than the 'Nordic' ideal. It is important to note that these classifications were not based on genetics but on fabricated theories and perceived characteristics.

Hitler's racial classifications were somewhat inconsistent and more often influenced by political and ideological considerations than scientific evidence. Whether he envisioned a utopian Aryan world or a more pragmatic approach to thinning the European racial spectrum, Bulgarians were, for various reasons, included in the broader 'Aryan' category.

SS Unit and Cultural Misconceptions

Bulgarians, like other groups included in the Nazi racial ideology, had SS units. This inclusion does not necessarily reflect an accurate assessment of their genetic makeup but rather a political and ideological alignment. The idea that Hungarians were also considered 'Aryan' is often disputed, given their substantial Mongoloid admixture from the Hun invasions.

It is crucial to separate historical misconceptions from accurate genetic and cultural realities. While Bulgarians have a unique place in history and culture, their genetic and ethnic composition should be understood within the broader context of European racial and ethnic diversity.

In conclusion, the classification of Bulgarians as Aryan by the Nazis during World War II was influenced by a combination of historical alliances, cultural misconceptions, and broader racial ideologies. Understanding this historical context helps shed light on the complexities of Nazi racial theories and their application.