The spelling of the word "bulgar" can be confusing due to the inconsistent use of letters in English. However, the phonetic transcription of this word in IPA helps clarify its spelling: /ˈbʌlgər/. The "b" makes a soft "buh" sound, followed by a short "uh" sound for the "u" and a hard "g" sound. The "a" is pronounced as a short "a" sound and the final "r" is silent. So, the correct way to spell "bulgar" phonetically is with a "buh-luh-guh" sound and a silent final "r".
Bulgar refers to a member of the ancient Turkic-speaking people known as Bulgars who established the medieval state of Bulgaria. They were originally a semi-nomadic tribe originating from Central Asia, specifically the Volga region, migrating to the Balkans during the 7th century. The Bulgars played a crucial role in shaping the history, culture, and identity of present-day Bulgaria.
The term "Bulgar" can also refer to the ancient Bulgar language, an extinct branch of Turkic languages that was spoken by the Bulgars. This language is believed to have played a significant role in the formation of the Old Bulgarian language, which subsequently influenced the creation of the modern Bulgarian language.
Furthermore, "Bulgar" can have a more general meaning, referring to any member of the Bulgarian ethnic group, regardless of their specific ancestry or language. Presently, Bulgars are primarily associated with the Republic of Bulgaria, a southeastern European country bordering the Black Sea, where they form the majority of the population.
In a broader context, the term "Bulgar" may be used to describe anything related to the country and its culture, such as Bulgarian cuisine, traditions, literature, or history. It is worth noting that the term "Bulgar" is not to be confused with the similar-sounding term "Bulgarian," which designates a citizen of Bulgaria or anything pertaining to the country.
The word "Bulgar" has Latin origins and can be traced back to the medieval Latin term "Bulgarius", which means "a Bulgarian". This Latin term then evolved to "Bulgarus" in Old French and "Bulgar" in Middle English. These terms were used to refer to the people who belonged to the Bulgar tribe, a Proto-Bulgarian ethnic group that settled in present-day Bulgaria in the 7th century. The tribal name "Bulgar" is believed to have Turkic roots and potentially comes from the Proto-Turkic term "bulgha", which means "to mix" or "to become mixed". It likely originated from the fact that the Bulgar tribal confederation had diverse origins and incorporated various ethnic groups.