The First Bulgarian Empire was established in the late 7th century and lasted until the late 11th century. It emerged as a powerful state in Southeast Europe, uniting various Slavic and Turkic tribes under the leadership of Khan Asparuh. The empire played a significant role in the cultural and political development of the region. During its height, the First Bulgarian Empire expanded its territory, reaching parts of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. It became known for its contributions to the spread of Slavic literacy and the development of the Cyrillic alphabet, which greatly influenced the cultures of neighboring nations.