The policy of the Russian Empire aimed at the granting of privileges to Bulgarian colonists in Bessarabia in the first half of 19th century

The article outlines how the Bulgarians, in the fight for their rights, with the help of their patron Ivan Nikitich Inzov received the coveted status of the colonists. On December 29, 1819 the tsarist government bestowed these settlers with rights and privileges, which equated them with the German colonists. The Transdanubian settlers received 555,608 dessiatinas (a Russian measure of land equal to 2.7 acres) in Bessarabia. Bulgarians enjoyed a special status, because, primarily, they moved to Budjac being attracted by guarantees of the Russian command; for example, Mikhail Kutuzov in 1811 promised them the rights and privileges if they would establish in Bessarabia. Secondly, they could not be subordinated to the Moldavian major landowners, because in the first half of the 19th century there has already been established imperial administration, which did not recognize the old laws of Moldavian Principality. And, thirdly, the Bulgarian refugees came to Bessarabia in search of freedom, not to become dependent.