German-Bulgarian Relations since 1878

Abstract

Since the end of the 19th century Germany and Bulgaria have often met one another in various political, economic and cultural contexts. The mutual relationship is, however, conspicuously marked by some dramatic turning points. Above all, while political relations have worked as a sort of promoter for mutual perceptions and cultural interests, they themselves were influenced by changing trends. The political-military alliance in two world wars was followed by periods of disinterest and distance. This article deals with the interactions of political, economic and cultural factors within German-Bulgarian relations and brings into focus the mutual perception.