Gagauz
Quick Summary
The Gagauz are a primarily rural people who have lived on the Bugeac Plain since the late 18th century. They are one of the smaller ethnic populations in Moldova, alongside Ukrainians, Russians, Roma, and Bulgarians.1
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Gagauz in southern Moldova declared their own independent republic. In response, the Moldovan government established an autonomous administrative region called Găgăuzia in January 1995, with its capital in Comrat. While Găgăuzia has its own governor, executive committee, and legislature, Moldova retains control over foreign policy, defense, and monetary issues within the region.2
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MoldovaEthnic groupsThe Gagauz, a mainly rural people, have lived on the Bugeac Plain since the late 18th century. The country’s ethnic Bulgarians also are mainly rural and inhabit the southern districts, where they settled at the end of the 18th century. Only a small percentage of Moldovan…
Read MoreThe Gagauz, a mainly rural people, have lived on the Bugeac Plain since the late 18th century. The country’s ethnic Bulgarians also are mainly rural and inhabit the southern districts, where they settled at the end of the 18th century. Only a small percentage of Moldovan…
Read More- MoldovaIndependent Moldova
The Gagauz in the south and the Russians east of the Dniester responded by declaring independent republics of their own, mainly as a defense against Moldovan nationalism. The Moldovan majority found itself divided over the question of union with Romania, and the Moldovan-dominated government found it…
Read MoreThe Gagauz in the south and the Russians east of the Dniester responded by declaring independent republics of their own, mainly as a defense against Moldovan nationalism. The Moldovan majority found itself divided over the question of union with Romania, and the Moldovan-dominated government found it…
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