“These days mark 40 years since the so-called. “Revival Process“ - a cynical name for the attempt at total assimilation of Turks in Bulgaria.“ This was stated by MEP Ilhan Küçük in Strasbourg, drawing attention to one of the most painful events in recent Bulgarian history.
In his speech, he emphasized that the so-called. “Revival Process“ is not an isolated event, but has its own background, related to the forced assimilation of the Pomaks in the 60s and 70s.
„What does the „Revival Process“ mean? It is difficult to explain within 30 seconds, but let me try: you are born Ilhan and a few years later you are renamed Iliyan. It is different, isn't it? You speak your mother tongue and realize that you have to pay a fine for it. That is how my parents paid. And when you don't obey, there is a fight. When you don't obey again - more fight, prisons and concentration camps. This is how an identity is erased.“
Kyuchuk defined the events as part of the „dark pages“ of Bulgarian history and expressed regret that to this day there is no justice for these repressions.
Speaking from the symbolic place of reconciliation between Germany and France - Alsace, he emphasized: “If you ask me whether the Bulgarian state has done enough - it has done almost nothing. The Bulgarian justice system was dealing with everything, but not with providing answers to the difficult questions that continue to remain.“
Ilhan Küçük concluded his speech with a call for historical justice and restoration of the dignity of those affected by these tragic events.