Proto-Bulgarians and Tatars: Ancestry and Historical Connections

Proto-Bulgarians, also known as Bulgars, were a group of Turkic-speaking nomadic tribes who migrated from Central Asia to Europe, particularly the region of the Volga River and the Balkans. They played a pivotal role in the formation of the First Bulgarian Empire. In contrast, the Tatars, a diverse collection of Turkic peoples, are primarily found in Russia and surrounding regions. This article explores the historical connections and ancestry between these two groups and clarifies their relationships with the Scythians and other Iranian-speaking peoples.

The Proto-Bulgarians: Turkic Nomads in Europe

The Proto-Bulgarians or Bulgars originated in Central Asia and migrated to Europe, leaving a significant impact on the region. Their Turkic roots are evident in their language and culture, and they formed the First Bulgarian Empire in the early medieval period. Although they played a crucial role in shaping European history, the Proto-Bulgarians and Tatars are not direct ancestors or descendants of each other.

The Tatars: A Diverse Collection of Turkic Peoples

The Tatars, on the other hand, are a diverse group of Turkic peoples primarily found in Russia and the surrounding regions. Notably, Tatars are not direct descendants of the Iranians or Scythians, despite historical interactions between these groups. The Scythians, an ancient group of nomadic people, inhabited parts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe and interacted with Turkic groups throughout history. However, the Tatars do not trace their ancestry back to the Scythians or other Iranian-speaking peoples.

Historical Connections and Cultural Exchanges

While there are historical connections and cultural exchanges among these groups, it would be incorrect to assume direct ancestry or descent. For instance, the Tatars did come to Europe with the Mongols in the 13th century and attacked and invaded European states including Bulgaria and Volga Bulgaria. The modern Tatars are descendants of the medieval Tatars, with little or no ancient Bulgarian admixture. The multiethnic state of Volga Bulgaria was created and ruled by Proto-Bulgarian nobles in the 7th century, but after the Tatars conquered this state, it ceased to exist.

The Ancient Bulgarians and Their Heritage

The ancient Bulgarians traced their heritage back to the Thracians and Scythians, who initially formed and occupied Southeast Europe and the European Pontic steppe north of the Black Sea. Calling them Iranic is an inaccurate assertion, as they later migrated to what would become known as Iran. It is misleading to equate them with modern-day Iranians or to claim that Latinos are Spaniards.

The Legacy and Misunderstandings

The legacy of the ancient Bulgarians is significant, and various states were created by them in Europe for many stateless people. Only the modern Bulgarians can be considered true descendants of this great ancient people. In 2010, the President of the “Bulgar National Congress” in Russia, Gusman Khalilov, appealed to the European Court of Human Rights to rename the Tatars into Bulgars, but he lost the case.

Conclusion: While the Proto-Bulgarians and Tatars share Turkic roots, the Tatars are not descendants of Iranian or Scythian peoples. The misunderstandings and claims often seen in historical narratives require careful examination. Understanding the actual historical connections and ancestry is crucial for a more accurate and nuanced view of these fascinating groups.