The Bulgarian/Turkish issue is a very interesting one.  I noticed a bit of...uncertainty while I was in Bulgaria.  I guess there are 3 groups that compose the main population of BG: ethnic Bulgarians, Turkish-Bulgarians, and Roma.  There have been debates about the national language and teaching different languages in school.  My husband and his family are very open apparently but they still seem to have some prejudices hidden underneath.  For example, his parents are friends with a Turkish couple, I think the man is a priest or something equal to that in the Islamic faith.  But when its mentioned it feels taboo, like, its a very big deal that they are friends with them and have them over to visit at their house.

There are centuries of war, occupation, slavery, more war and conflicts in the Balkans.  Bulgaria was chopped up.  I'd say borders changed in many other countries as well, displacing people.  I have a really difficult time understanding the intricate history that has woven the ideas of modern Bulgarians.  Its very apparent every time I discuss Bulgarian history with my husband and hear his anger, forgiveness, indignation, sadness and indifference all at once.  :(