The Bulgar Khanate (First Bulgarian Empire) was a powerful state that originated from 'Old Great Bulgaria,' established in the 7th century on the Pontic-Caspian steppe by nomadic Bulgar tribes under the leadership of Kubrat Khan.
Following its partition, the Bulgars migrated in various directions. Those who moved to the Balkans established Danube Bulgaria, which later integrated with the local Slavs to form the great Bulgarian Empire. Another group migrated to the Volga River basin and founded Volga Bulgaria. With their formidable military strength, the Bulgar Khanate served as a crucial power broker between the Byzantine Empire and northern nomadic confederations.
A famous legend surrounds its first ruler, Kubrat Khan. On his deathbed, he gathered his five sons and handed them a bundle of arrows (or twigs), asking each to try and break it. His sons struggled with all their might, but the sturdy bundle would not break. Kubrat then untied the bundle and easily broke the arrows one by one.
He left his sons with a profound lesson: "If you remain united like this bundle, no enemy can defeat you; but if you split apart, you will be easily broken." Although the sons eventually dispersed to form their own separate states, this story remains one of the most beloved legends of the Bulgarian people, forever reminding them of the true value of unity and cooperation.