Before the formal recognition of its autocephaly by the Ecumenical See in 1945 and the subsequent restoration of the Bulgarian Patriarchate in 1953, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church operated under a distinct institutional framework known officially as the Bulgarian Exarchate (Българска екзархия in Bulgarian, Bulgar Eksarhlığı in Turkish). This pivotal institution, intrinsically linked with the broader history of the Ottoman Empire and its eventual decline, arose from a profound struggle for religious and national identity.

The Bulgarian Exarchate: A Fight for Spiritual Independence

While effectively operating with a degree of independence—a de facto autocephaly—its formal establishment was a bold, unilateral move. It was promulgated without the blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch on May 23 [O.S. May 11], 1872, right within the Bulgarian church in Constantinople. This significant event was the direct consequence of a pivotal firman, an imperial decree, issued by Sultan Abdülaziz of the Ottoman Empire on March 12 [O.S. February 28], 1870.

This foundation wasn't an isolated event; it was the culmination of a protracted and fervent struggle by the Bulgarian Orthodox community throughout the 1850s and 1860s. They sought to break free from the enduring domination of the Greek Patriarchate of Constantinople, asserting their distinct spiritual identity amidst the complex ethnic and religious tapestry of the Ottoman realm.

Understandably, this assertion of independence stirred controversy. In 1872, the Patriarchate leveled accusations against the Exarchate, claiming it had introduced "ethno-national characteristics" into the religious organization of the Orthodox Church—a stark departure from the traditional universalist ethos of the Eastern Orthodox faith. The secession from the Patriarchate was formally condemned as schismatic by a Council convened in Constantinople in September 1872.

Despite this condemnation, Bulgarian religious leaders pressed on, actively expanding the Exarchate's reach within the vast Ottoman Empire. They achieved this by conducting plebiscites, popular votes, in territories contested by both Churches, thereby legitimizing their presence and influence. Through this persistent struggle for the recognition of a distinct Church, a powerful cultural and political consequence unfolded: the modern Bulgarian nation, known as the Bulgar Millet, was significantly forged and given a tangible identity within the empire.

Key Milestones of the Exarchate's Formation

• Official Status: The Bulgarian Exarchate served as the official title for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church until its autocephaly was recognized by the Ecumenical See in 1945 and the Bulgarian Patriarchate was restored in 1953.

• Unilateral Proclamation: It was unilaterally declared a de facto autocephaly on May 23 [O.S. May 11], 1872, in a Bulgarian church in Constantinople, without the explicit blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

• Catalyst for Formation: The Exarchate’s establishment was a direct result of the relentless struggle waged by the Bulgarian Orthodox community against the pervasive influence and domination of the Greek Patriarchate of Constantinople during the mid-19th century.

• Sultanic Decree: Its formation was sanctioned by a firman from Sultan Abdülaziz on March 12 [O.S. February 28], 1870, underscoring the political dimensions of this religious movement.

• Controversial Condemnation: In September 1872, a Council in Constantinople officially condemned the Exarchate's secession as schismatic, accusing it of introducing ethno-national characteristics into Orthodox religious organization.

• Nation-Building Role: By extending its borders through plebiscites in contested Ottoman territories, the Exarchate played a crucial role in shaping the modern Bulgarian nation, or Bulgar Millet, through the struggle for its independent Church.

Sultan Abdülaziz: Modernity and Monarchy in the Ottoman Empire

The story of the Bulgarian Exarchate is intrinsically linked with Sultan Abdülaziz, the 32nd ruler of the Ottoman Empire, whose impactful reign spanned from June 25, 1861, until May 30, 1876. His era was marked by efforts towards modernization, a fascination with the West, and significant cultural contributions, even as the empire faced internal and external pressures.

Born on February 8, 1830, at Eyüp Palace in Constantinople (today's Istanbul), Abdülaziz inherited a rich Ottoman education. Yet, he was also a passionate admirer of the rapid material progress taking place in the Western world, a sentiment that would profoundly influence his reign and personal pursuits.

Breaking with centuries of tradition, he became the first Ottoman Sultan to venture into Western Europe, embarking on a grand tour in the summer of 1867. His itinerary included a visit to several crucial European capitals, among them the vibrant cities of Paris, London, and Vienna, where he undoubtedly observed the modern advancements firsthand and engaged with European monarchs and statesmen.

Beyond his political responsibilities and his engagement with European modernity, Sultan Abdülaziz held a profound passion for the Ottoman Navy, which, impressively, boasted the world's third-largest fleet in 1875, surpassed only by the formidable British and French naval powers. He also possessed a keen interest in documenting the vast Ottoman Empire and was a gifted classical music composer. Some of his original compositions, alongside those from other members of the Ottoman dynasty, are preserved in the esteemed album European Music at the Ottoman Court, produced by the London Academy of Ottoman Court Music, showcasing his artistic flair.

His impactful reign, however, came to an abrupt end. On May 30, 1876, Sultan Abdülaziz was overthrown via a government coup, accused of mismanaging the Ottoman economy amid growing financial crises. Tragically, he was found dead just six days later under circumstances that remain both unnatural and mysterious to this day, bringing a sudden and dramatic close to a reign that had attempted to bridge traditional Ottoman governance with Western modernity.

A Glimpse into Sultan Abdülaziz's Reign

• Sultanic Lineage: Abdulaziz was the son of Sultan Mahmud II and succeeded his brother Abdulmejid I to become the 32nd Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

• Reign Period: He ruled from June 25, 1861, until May 30, 1876, when he was overthrown in a government coup.

• Western Influences: Born in Constantinople on February 8, 1830, Abdülaziz received a traditional Ottoman education but was notably an ardent admirer of Western material progress.

• Historical Traveler: He was the first Ottoman Sultan to travel to Western Europe, visiting major capitals like Paris, London, and Vienna in the summer of 1867.

• Patron of Arts and Navy: The Sultan had a significant passion for the Ottoman Navy, which ranked as the world's third largest fleet in 1875. He also took a keen interest in documenting the Ottoman Empire and was a talented classical music composer, with some of his works featured in the album European Music at the Ottoman Court.

• Tragic End: Deposed on May 30, 1876, on grounds of economic mismanagement, he was found dead six days later under mysterious and unnatural circumstances.