Bogoris

Bogoris was the ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire from approximately 852 to 889 AD. His reign is considered a pivotal period in Bulgarian history, marked by significant political, religious, and cultural developments. Bogoris was the son of Khan Presian I.

Upon ascending to the throne, Bogoris faced a complex geopolitical landscape, with the Byzantine Empire to the south and Frankish kingdoms to the west. Early in his reign, he engaged in conflicts with the Byzantines, but these eventually led to a turning point. A major event during his rule was the Christianization of Bulgaria in 864 AD. Bogoris converted to Christianity, adopting the name Michael, and made it the state religion. This decision had profound consequences, aligning Bulgaria more closely with the Byzantine sphere of influence and fostering a sense of national identity.

Bogoris also played a crucial role in the development of Slavic literacy. He supported the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their disciples, who created the Glagolitic alphabet. This facilitated the translation of religious texts into Old Bulgarian, laying the foundation for Bulgarian literature and culture. After abdicating in favor of his son Vladimir, Bogoris, now a monk, intervened to prevent a pagan resurgence, ensuring the continued Christianization of the empire. His legacy is that of a transformative ruler who guided Bulgaria towards a more European and Christian identity.