2 min read
Kazashko and Tataritsa: Bulgaria's Two Old Believer Communities
One is on Lake Varna, the other on the Danube. The two villages are the last places in Bulgaria where the Russian Old Believer tradition is preserved.
Two villages, one history
Russian Old Believers in Bulgaria live in two settlements: Kazashko near Varna and Tataritsa, today a district of Aydemir in Silistra Province. According to “Bulgarska etnografiya” (“Bulgarian Ethnography”), about 500 members of the community live in the two together. By comparison, Romania has over 20 Old Believer settlements with around 25,000–30,000 Lipovans. They have been officially recognised as a minority since 1990.
Similarities
- Both communities descend from the Old Believers who fled Russia after Patriarch Nikon's reform.
- Both have traditionally made their living from fishing, on the Danube and on Lake Varna.
- Both churches are dedicated to the Holy Protection (Pokrov) and celebrate on 14 October.
- Both speak a southern Russian dialect and sing old songs.
Differences
- Self-identification: in Kazashko the Cossack identity is strongly emphasised. In Tataritsa many reject the “Cossack” name and identify as Russians.
- Dress: in Kazashko women wear a sarafan, while in Tataritsa they wear a blouse and skirt.
- Setting: Kazashko is 6 km from a big city and is an increasingly mixed village. Tataritsa is a more closed Danube community.
The future
Both communities face the same challenges: young people leave, while mixed marriages and globalisation dilute the tradition. That is why the community centres (chitalishta), folk groups and festivals matter so much. They preserve memory and make it visible to visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How many Old Believer villages are there in Bulgaria?
Two: Kazashko (Varna Municipality) and Tataritsa (Aydemir, Silistra Province).
Published: 27 September 2026