site.btaBulgarian Muslims Celebrate Ramazan Bayram

Bulgaria’s Muslims are celebrating Ramazan Bayram, the feast at the end of the holy month of Ramazan.

Muslims make up 10.8% of the Bulgarian population, according to the 2021 census. That totals 638,708 people. The largest Muslim communities live in southern and northeastern Bulgaria.

President Rumen Radev highlighted Ramazan Bayram as a tradition reflecting believers’ need for forgiveness, generosity, and empathy. He underlined the significance of dialogue and empathy in turbulent times and voiced hope that a shared prayer for Bulgaria would bring health, peace, and prosperity to all.

National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova offered sincere greetings for Ramazan Bayram, stressing that humility, mutual respect, and building lasting connections across religions are essential. She noted that a truly strong society stands on firm foundations of goodwill rather than yielding to hatred or prejudice. Kiselova expressed hope that the holiday would bring peace, health, and prosperity, as well as more warmth and solidarity in society.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also greeted the Muslim community on the occasion, noting that Bulgaria sets an example of understanding and respect among different religious groups. He expressed hope that the holiday would remind everyone that strength lies in unity and in building a future founded on mutual respect. Zhelyazkov said the day is marked by joy and blessings, emphasising faith, compassion, and empathy for those who suffer.

Grand Mufti Mustafa Hadzhi told BTA’s Yuzlem Tefikova that Ramazan Bayram follows a month of mutual assistance and sharing. He noted that the three-day celebration is the culmination of this spirit and pointed out that many communities—Muslim and non-Muslim—come together to share meals and enjoy themselves. Hadzhi also stressed that, during Ramadan, Muslims devoted efforts to help people in need, gaining spiritual strength that would carry them until the next year. He added that Ramazan Bayram begins with a special prayer in the mosque and is a day when everyone strives to do good, visit relatives, and pray for those who have passed away, all while remembering the importance of peace.

GERB-UDF leader Boyko Borissov said a society’s strength is found in respect and tolerance, recalling that history shows how people of different faiths can share celebrations and help one another. He extended wishes of good health, happiness, and peace to Muslims, hoping their homes remain places of harmony and mutual respect.

Movement for Rights and Freedoms–New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski wished everyone health, prosperity, and peace in their homes, describing Ramazan Bayram as a time of faith and compassion. He expressed hope that the holiday would bring joy and reinforce belief in a better future, while also contributing to a “new beginning” that would benefit Bulgaria as a whole.

Democracy, Rights and Freedoms–MRF Floor Leader Dzhevdet Chakarov described Ramazan Bayram as a symbol of mercy and empathy, an occasion for gratitude, kindness, and support for those in need. He emphasised that after a month of self-discipline, the festival stands for unity over division, and spirituality over material concerns. Chakarov wished peace and prosperity for every home and called on society to foster forgiveness, tolerance, and mutual respect.

The Ramazan Bayram feast lasts for three days in Bulgaria. Tradition in the country’s Muslim community calls for people to visit their parents and older relatives to celebrate together, show them respect, and ask for forgiveness.