The article discusses the Turkish community in Bulgaria, focusing on their historical presence in the country since the 14th and 15th centuries during the Ottoman conquest. The Banya Bashi Mosque in Sofia, one of the oldest Muslim places of worship in Europe, serves as a symbol of this almost 500 years of Ottoman rule in a predominantly Orthodox Christian nation. According to the 2021 census, approximately 500,000 Turks reside in Bulgaria, making up around 8% of the total population of 6.5 million. Most of this community is descended from Turkish settlers who were established in various regions of southern and northeastern Bulgaria.

The article also highlights the cultural practices of the Turkish minority, who predominantly speak Turkish, contrasting them with the Bulgarian-speaking Muslims known as "Pomaks." Pomaks are believed to have converted from Orthodox Christianity to Islam, resulting in a distinct cultural identity that differs from that of the Turkish population. The coexistence of these two groups within Bulgaria underscores the country's complex ethnic tapestry.

In addition, the piece touches on the ongoing search for identity among the Turkish community in Bulgaria, especially in light of historical events like the "Great Excursion," which refers to the mass emigration of Turks from Bulgaria. This search for identity is intertwined with contemporary issues of ethnic representation, cultural preservation, and the impacts of globalization on minority communities in Bulgaria, reflecting broader themes of nationalism and integration in the Balkans.