Migrations and formation of the Volga Bulgarian State (VIII-X C.): Results of the complex analysis

Abstract

© Serials Publications. The formation of the medieval Bulgarian state has always attracted the attention of researchers, as this event provided the Volga-Ural region's breakthrough to civilization and became an important stage in social, cultural and ethno-political history of the region. Relocation of the Bulgarian tribes living on the right bank of the Middle Don at the end of VII century to the Middle Volga was determining in this process. There they contacted with different communities and tribes, both local and from the Central Asia. Bulgarians sought to create their own statehood. With the weakening of the Khazars' power and the sharp increasing of the international trade on the Great Volga route in the IX century the Bulgarians were gradually establishing their hegemony over the population of the Middle Volga in the confrontation with two other tribal associations. A new phase of folding the foundations of the Bulgarian feudal state began in early X century. During this period there was an active urban growth and international trade along the Great Volga route. At the same time Islam was adopted as the state religion. Bulgarians led by the elteber Almysh (who became a supreme corporate landowner) started to be the military-service class in the new state.922 was the year of diplomatic recognition of Bulgaria. It exchanged embassies with the Baghdad Caliphate. Cities were developing as political, administrative, trade and handicraft centers. During this period a number of elements from the other ethnic groups (Slavic, Finno-Ugrian and Scandinavian) enter into the Bulgarian squad and its own syncretic culture is produced. But in 940two emirates Bulgar and Suvar were formed. Their state institutions strengthened and Islam spread. The defeat of the Khazar Khaganate (in 980) led to strengthening of the Bulgarians united in a Bulgarian state.