Baba Vanga's prophecies resurface as social media fuels conspiracy theories
Baba Vanga, born Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova in 1911, became one of the most talked-about figures in the post-Soviet world. Known for her alleged prophecies, she drew crowds in Bulgaria before her name spread globally. Now, decades after her death, her predictions are resurfacing—this time across social media and political discussions.
Vanga's story began in the Ottoman Empire, where she was born. As a teenager, she reportedly lost her sight after being caught in a tornado. By World War II, people sought her out, hoping for news about soldiers missing in action. Her reputation grew, and by the 1960s, visitors from different countries travelled to Petrich, Bulgaria, to consult her.
Many of the prophecies linked to Vanga, especially those about Russia, originated from Valentin Sidorov, a Russian writer who claimed to have met her in the 1970s. In her later years, a foundation was set up in her name, focusing on her health-related guidance.
Since the 1990s, her predictions have remained popular in former Soviet states. But in the last five years, their spread has exploded. TikTok and YouTube now amplify her alleged warnings—global wars, natural disasters—with over 1 billion views in Russia and Ukraine by 2025. Bulgarian YouTube channels saw subscriptions jump by 500% after 2022. Meanwhile, Albanian media have used her claims to push anti-NATO and anti-EU messages.
Today, her name appears in conspiracy theories and geopolitical debates. Social media algorithms and viral trends have turned her decades-old statements into tools for modern narratives.
Vanga's prophecies, once shared in small Bulgarian villages, now reach millions online. Her name is tied to political rhetoric, viral content, and conspiracy discussions. The surge in her mentions reflects how old mysticism can shape current debates—whether about war, alliances, or global events.
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