| Summary: | The article analyzes the Bulgarian-Turkish relations from the late 2000’s to the early 2020’s. The author insists on the presence of patterns, specific to this stage of bilateral relations. Sofia's readiness to act as a «lobbyist» for Ankara’s interests in the EU is noted. The significant influence of internal political processes in Bulgaria on the nature of its relations with Turkey is emphasized. In particular, the paper indicates a decrease in the level of Bulgarian-Turkish contacts after the end of the period of rule of the party «Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria» (CEDB) in 2021. The important role of the Turkish diaspora in Bulgaria and Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin living in Turkey in the relations between Ankara and Sofia is also recorded. Attention is drawn to the attempts of the Turkish authorities to use these social groups to promote their own goals. The emphasis is placed on the independent behavior of the political elite of the Bulgarian Turks and on their ability to resist the desires of the leadership of the neighboring country, despite the existence of close economic and cultural ties. It is also stated, that there is a causal link between the struggle of the leaders of the Turkish ethnic minority in Bulgaria for their independence from Ankara’s policies and the crisis of Bulgarian-Turkish relations in 2015–2016.
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