On the Issue of the Bulgarian solution to the Macedonian problem in cooperation with the Ottoman empire (1895 - 1912)

The presented study examines the influence of the Bulgarian concept of solving the Macedonian problem, formulated at the time of Stambolov's Cabinet, on the foreign policy course of Sofia in 1895-1912. 

The idea of the People's Liberal Party leader and his entourage was to ensure partnership with the Ottoman Empire and consistently reject the proposal of Serbia and Greece to divide Macedonia into spheres of influence. Due to such course the Prime Minister planned to ensure the expansion of the Bulgarian exarchate's influence in the European ports of Porta, thereby strengthening Bulgarian national self- consciousness of the citizens living in this historical region. 

However, due to the influence of various factors, the Bulgarian ruling elites refused this concept, adopting the idea of resolving the fate of Macedonia together with Athens and Belgrade based on military approach. The article analyses the circumstances that contributed to transformation of Sofia's strategy into the solution of the Macedonian problem...