Armenians in Bulgaria since the 17th Century and in Present Day: Stereotypes and Identifications

On the basis of empirical data and scientific literature related to people of Armenian and Armenian-Bulgarian origin, the following text will discuss how stereotypes about Armenians in Bulgaria have changed over time and how according to interlocutors, most of whom are of Armenian-Bulgarian descent, Bulgarians perceive the living in their land people with Armenian roots. Furthermore, it will be searched how individuals of Armenian origin identify themselves in different times and contexts. Last but not least, attention will be paid also to the European identification of Armenian-Bulgarians on Bulgarian territory as both states Bulgaria and Armenia are part of supranational structures as the European Union and the Eastern Partnership at the European Commission