Since its establishment in 681AD, Bulgaria has been the object of aspirations of many powerful nations. Bulgaria's fertile lands, beautiful mountains, and dense network of fast-flowing rivers have been the cause of many wars whose purpose was to control those valuable resources.
             Another factor that contributed towards the interest of other nations in the territory of Bulgaria was its strategic position. Founded in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria functioned as a political, commercial and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia. Every trade route that was established between the nations of Europe and Asia passed through the territory of Bulgaria. It controlled the trade and the flow of ideas and was influenced by the trends in architecture, construction and arms.
             Due to its strategic position, Bulgaria was the fastest-growing state in Europe. Its economic achievements attracted pioneers from many different states. The increase of the population brought many different individuals with different ideas of ruling the country. Eventually the land was divided into parts and every part had its ruler. This division of the country made it vulnerable to the number of barbarian tribes and other nations who were equally interested in establishing control over the land. As a result, Bulgaria fell under Byzantine rule at the beginning of eleventh century and after that under Ottoman rule at the end of the fourteenth century.
             The lack of kinship and unwillingness to act as a unit has been a national characteristic of the Bulgarians. Unfortunately after many years of suffering the people of Bulgaria have not learned their lesson yet. In my opinion, the biggest and most destructive social problem of my country, Bulgaria, has been the lack of national identity and the lack of desire to participate as a team. Although the citizens are Bulgarians in terms of their religion, culture and language, it is very unlikely to see a ...