Deputy grand religious cleric of Bulgaria said Muslims’ presence in the Eastern European country dates back to 1000 years ago.
Vadat Ahmed added that the Ottoman Empire played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Bulgaria.
He made the remarks in a forum held Monday at the International Cultural Studies Center of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) in Iran.
Ahmed said during the Ottomans’ rule, Bulgarians had a better chance to learn about Islam.
Pointing to the current status of Muslims in Bulgaria, he said most of the country’s Muslims live in southern and northeastern regions.
The deputy religious cleric noted that there Islamic schools and universities are active in Bulgaria.
He also highlighted the activities of the religious cleric’s office, saying it holds religious programs, including Quranic courses and religious competitions and runs Islamic schools.
Bulgaria is a Balkan country where Orthodox Christianity has the most number of followers.
Muslims are the second-largest community and constitute 10 per cent of the population.