Abstract
This paper examines ethnic divisions in post-Communist Bulgaria. The primary division is between the Bulgar/Bulgarian Orthodox majority and the Muslim/Turk minority.

Abstract
This research paper discusses the military and political aspects of the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. It gives detailed background information on the previous attempts to conquer the city by several other civilizations and provides primary source information on the 45-day conquest process of the city by the Turks, which changed the fate of Europe, Christianity, and the Turks.

From the Paper
"The city of Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul, was inhabited by people as early as 3000 BC. Along with its history, Constantinople always held the interest of Greeks and Romans; yet, this interest could only continue until the rise of the Ottoman Turk power. The most powerful civilizations of their times eventually occupied, or at least tried to occupy, this city for various reasons. The location of Constantinople is the most attractive feature of the city; it is located in such an area that the Bosphorus, the sea that separates the two continents Asia and Europe, simply implies that this city is an entry to both Asia and Europe. Given this fact, it is true to say that the European originated Greeks and Romans wanted to control the entry to Asia, which eventually would cause a tremendous expansion in trades. Thus, Constantinople and ?the huge peninsula, known to the ancients as Asia Minor, had been one of the most populous areas in the world.? (Runciman, 22)."

Tags:persians, arabs, bulgars, russians, fourth, crusade, capital, byzantine, empire, sultan, mehmed, conqueror