Area: 110,912 sq km
Population: 8.3 million
Capital city: Sofia (pop 1.1 million)
People: 85% Bulgarian, 8.5% Turkish, 2.6%
Roma,
Language: Bulgarian.
Turkish and Romany are
spoken by minorities
Religion: 85% Bulgarian Orthodox, 13% Muslim
Government: Democracy
President: Georgi Parvanov
Prime Minister: Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
The first inhabitants were
Thracians. Thracians, Slav and Proto-Bulgarians are the ancestors of the
Bulgarian people.
The two brothers Kiril and Methodi
from the Greeks found the Slavonic scrip in 865.
Their students Kliment, Naum and Angelariy, continued Kiril and Methody’s work
in Bulgaria. They laid the foundations of the Bulgarian culture. Climent
Ohridski established the Ohrid Literature School and taught more than 3 500
Bulgarian students. Naum found the Second Literature School in Pliska. Sava
formed a school in Serbia. Gorazd did it in the other Slavonic countries.
The first Bulgarian Country attained
its biggest bloom during the reign of Tsar Simeon (893 - 927). After the battle
at Aheloy (917), Bulgaria became the first power on Balkans and Byzantium had
to consider with it. This time is called “The Golden Age of the Bulgarian Culture”.
Preslav was the new capital. The famous Slav educators: Chernorizets Hrabar,
Ivan Ekzarh, Konstantin Preslavski and many others worked there.
The crisis into the Bulgarian
country began in the middle of X century. After the rule of Peter (927-970) so
called Bogomil movement appeared. This movement was a Christian heretical
teaching with descents in the heresies from the first century.
SECOND BULGARIAN COUNTRY (1187 -
1396)
During 1185 the boyars from Turnovo
raised rebellion against the Byzantine yoke. It was the beginning of the
Asenovtsi dynasty and Bulgaria became stronger. During the reign of tsar
Kaloyan defeated the knights of the Latin Empire near Odrin. In 1230 Ivan Asen
routed the army of Teodor Komnin near Klokotnitsa. In 1393 the capital Veliko
Tarnovo felt under Turkish yoke. The town had been defended bravely under the
leadership of the last Bulgarian patriarch Evtimiy.
OTTOMAN - FEUDAL RULE (1393 - 1878)
During the Ottoman yoke Bulgarian
people were forced to pay about 170 types of taxation. The heaviest task was so
called bloody tax. Many Christian churches had been destroyed and transformed
into mosque such as the temple “St. Sofia”, the church “St. George” and many
others. According to the confessions of Mithad pasha - about 1 million
Bulgarian people had been forced to take Islam. In the early 19th century
popular customs and folklore blossomed in the National Revival, while
underground revolutionaries plotted against the Turks. When a revolt broke out
prematurely at Koprivshtitsa in April 1876 the Turks suppressed it with
unprecedented brutality, while spreading tales of 'Bulgarian atrocities'
throughout Europe. About 15,000 Bulgarians were massacred at Plovdiv and 58 villages
destroyed. The story goes that the town of Pazardzhik was saved by a daring
clerk who moved one comma in an official order, turning 'burn the town, not
spare it' into 'burn the town not, spare it'. Russia emancipated Bulgaria from
Turkish yoke and the San Stefano peace treaty had been signed on 3 March 1878.
The modern history of dates from
this 1878 liberation. European powers, fearful of a powerful Russian satellite
in the Balkans, hacked away bits of Bulgaria, leaving everyone unsatisfied and
ready to snap at the two Balkan Wars which preceded World War I. Bulgaria did
none too well, losing Macedonia and grumbling its way into an alliance with the
Central Powers in World War I, despite internal opposition. The interwar years
were characterized by serious problems with Macedonian refugees, communist
uprisings and economic crises. The most horrifying incident of
Under communist
|
Elena municipality |
Geographical location and natural
characteristics of Elena municipality
Elena municipality is
located in the North Central Bulgaria and it covers the most southern and south-eastern
parts of Veliko Tarnovo region. Elena municipality verges six municipalities
from five regions: to north and north-east it verges with Zlataritza
municipality and Veliko Tarnovo municipality from Tarnovo region; to south-east
it verges Antovo from Tyrgovishte region; to east - Sliven municipality from
Sliven region; to south - along Stara Planina mountain ridge - Tvyrditza form
Sliven region and Gurkovo from Stara Zagora region.
The municipal centre is 41 km far
from Veliko Tarnovo town, 20 km from Zlatizta town; 75 km from Kotel town; 79
km from
Elena town is located in Ĺleno-Tvyrdishka mountain bedding -
the most eastern part of
In north there is Chukansko rid, and
in south - Sheitanska valley. In west and east to Veliko Tarnovo there are two
defiles - "Boazes", through which there are roads.
The town is located 40 km far from
Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovica; 80 km from Gabrovo and Targovishte; 140 km from
Landscape: The altitude of the
terrain varies from 200-250 from the river valleys to 1536 m - the height of
Chumerna hill - the tallest in
Climate. The
The town is located in a typical valley, which is protected from the
strong and cold winds in the winter, while during the summer it is cool from
the mountain. The region is protected from snowstorms and from the 40-degree heat
in the summer and this causes the attractiveness of the town and the region
through each season.
Soils: on the territory of
the municipality there are mainly light grey wood soils, surface plain and
unplain. Its humus payer is thin (10 to 15 cm). The main soil-producing rocks
are sandstone, marly shists, limestone, conglomerates
and other, originating from the Law Chalk.
In the south-east parts of
the municipality and its south border, the soils are mainly brown wood, as the
altitude is over 900 m.
In the middle of the
municipality - to east -west, there is traced out a wide frontage, which
includes the regions of Konstantin,
Bebrovo, Ruhovci, Elena, Shilkovci, Sredni Kolibi and others. There the grey
wood soils are found in their different
sub-types. Around the river beds in this region, there are formed the
alluviate-meadow soils.
Water resources. Elena municipality
is rich of water resources. There are a lot of springs in its mountainous part.
There are a lot of small and big water streams within the main and secondary
ridges, which start some of the bigger rivers: Veselina, Kostelska, Elenska,
Miikovska, Bebrovska, which are
inflows of Zlatariska river. The streams flow to north-south directions.
The riverbanks are with big slopes, strongly concave from the erosion
processes and many rock shoots. The rivers are with inconstant debit and are
filling from rain and snow. They are sweeping and full in the spring because of
the fast melting of the snow in the mountain and the strong rain, while in summer
they are decreasing and some of the inflows draw up.
Except these rivers, the municipality is cut of many small and big pits
with inconstant water streams.
At the territory of the municipality there is built artificial lake -
"Jovkovci" 20 years ago, which is water source for Veliko Tarnovo
town, Gorna Oryahovica town, Lyaskovetz town, Strazhitza, Zlataritza, Elena and
Dryanovo. Except this lake, there are another micro-lakes, which are used
mainly for watering.
There are no finds of ores and fossils, which are sufficient for the
industry. Only the riverbanks
of Veselina, Kostelska and Ruhovska are used as sources for extracting only
inert materials - gravel and sand, which are used in building.
Vegetation.
Elena's municipality is rich of forest vegetation, which belongs to the
two areas: oak area and beech-conifer area. Most common from the wide-leaved
plant kinds are: oaks (winter, blagun, oak), hornbeam (ordinary and brown),
sycamore, lime, beech and others. There are also elms, maples, ash-trees,
cherry-trees, pear-trees, crab apples and others; from the bushes – hawthorn,
briar, hazel bush, cornel-tree and others.
Some of these plants now are being chopped away and replaced by some
conifer types, mainly black and white pine-trees. In the oak area, there are
spruce and fir-tree forests.
There are rich finds of different wild herbs and mushroom, which are
profitable for the poor people, who collect and sell them. They have started
cultivating some medicine and technological cultures.
Animals. The climate conditions,
the terrain and the variable vegetation are optimum for growing cattle and
small cattle. This is the richest area in the Veliko Tarnovo region of deer and
does. Most common these days are wild pigs, which is dangerous for the agriculture,
but a good object for hunting. There are also, wild rabbits, partridges, quails
and others. In the high mountainous parts, there are hawks, falcons and other
smaller birds. Fish is representation by barbell and gray mullet. The river
trout is being cultivated. In “Jovkovci”
Population and human resources
Elena municipality contains 125 inhabited places – just one of them is a
town – the municipal center. Its population is 11 342 people – 2/3 of them live
in the town. Three from the villages are centers of municipality – Bebrovo,
Konstantin and Maisko, and 13 are municipality subentries. The villages outside
the town are very sporadic and many of them are isolated in the winter. Most of
them are located in the mountainous part and their population is no more than
20 people.
The active population in
Elena municipality is around 51%. The unemployment trends to be over 30%. Most
of the unemployed people are within 30-44 years, with basic or slower education
– basically from the ethnic groups. They live from collecting wild herb and
mushrooms and taking part in seasonal programs for labour employment.
The biggest percentage of the human resources is employers in the light,
manufacturing and food industries. Then there are the ones from the educational
system, health services and the administration.
Economy
The economical situation
of Elena municipality is characterized by difficulties in the pre-structuring.
This is a result of the lack of serious investments and the economical drop. The municipal economy is
concentrated totally in Elena town. The other part of the population is
employed in the agriculture and mainly for their own needs – small animal farms
and commerce. There is a lasting
decrease of production, lack of investments in the producers, consumer
insolvency. Most of the companies use old and amortized technologies and
many of the companies are in critical situation: “Interior” LTD (producer of bottles
and glass materials), “Textile” LTD (producer of wool textile and materials),
“Chumerna 93” LTD. (an ex-department of “Bitova Electronics” AD – Veliko
Tarnovo – producer of TV sets and TV and radio technique). “
The forest fond of Elena municipality is 287 539 decares – 192 307
workable, and 356 799 government forest fond. The number of animals on the
territory of the municipality as per 31.03.2000 is private possession (2100
bulls, 6400 sheep, 3000 goats, 2300 pigs and 17000 birds). They are bred mainly
in private farms in a primitive manner. The apiculture is well developed (as
per 31.08.2002 – there are 1200 bee-hives).
Tourism
One of the main targets
of the strategy of developing Elena municipality is approving Elena town as a
tourist center.
The municipality possesses “Bukovetz” chalet with 75 beds, which is
located near to road III-534 and is also co-owner with 29% of “Chumerna” chalet
(70 beds), which is in the skirt of the same peak. They can be estimated only
as satisfactory because of their location (far and difficulty reachable) and
lack of budget. In the area of “Chumerna” chalet, there is a big ski lift and
there are smaller ones next to “Bukovtzi” chalet and Miikovci village. There is
a hotel complex in the town with 120 beds and tourist hostel with 40 beds, and
it Miikovci village – there is a mountain hostel with 80 beds. In the villages
there are many hostels, rest houses and bungalows with smaller potential.
Nowadays there is interest in the private accommodations in the town and the
villages. On 20.08.200 the cultural route “Art crafts” was opened. It includes
workshop and private gallery of art and paintings, pottery workshop and wood
workshop.
Historical and
cultural landmarks
Elena is an Old Bulgarian town. It exists before the Ottoman rule. It
can be found in different Turkish documents from 1430 by the name of Mazra
Istromena (Styrmena) and Iliyana (Elyana). In 1784, Doino Gramatic made the
Elenian copy of Paisiy history. The
citizens of Elena participate in the meeting of Velcho in 1835 and the
rebellion of Veliko Tarnovo in 1862. Vassil Levski establishes the Rebellion
council of Elena in 1871.
The village is announced for a town in 1860, when it is a beautiful
craft center with different developed crafts – tailor, iron-smithery,
vine-production and others.
In 1880 the population of Elena is 3302, in 1934 – 2691, in 1956 – 7008,
in 1985 – 7635 and in 1992 – 7227.
P. R. Slaveikov called the old school, which was established by Ivan
Momchilov “Daskalolivnitza”, – it was for preparing students for teachers.
There are monuments of Ilarion Makariopolski, S.G. Katrafilov, Stoyan
Mihailovski.
Of the Bulgarian national revival, they have kept 129 buildings, which
are grouped in several groups. Some of them are the home of Ilarion
Makariopolski from 1710, the one of Popnikola from 1830, and the five houses of
Razsukan. In the famous “Daskalolivnitza” school, there is the museum “History
of Elena town”. The town clock tower is from 1812. There are also two churches
built by masons from Bolyartzi village, which conclude the sight of old, Elena
town. These are the churches “St. Nicolas” from XVI century and “Uspenie
Bogorodichno” from 1837.
Above Elena town, there is Kapinovski monastery, which was established
in 1272. Its Abbott was Stoiko Vladislavov (Sofronii Vrachanski) who brought in
Elena a copy of “Istoriq Slavqnobulgarska”
by Paisii Hilyandarski.
Elena municipality has enormous cultural-historical
heritage. There are totally 420 architectural building monuments on its
territory. For Elena town they are 263. There is a complex of museums in Elena
towns, which covers most of the above said monuments.
There are cultural clubs
in the town and another nine villages. The small number of young people makes
their activity very difficult but some of them operate very well. There are
some amateur compositions at the cultural club of Elena, which are very
successful in the past few years.
The Bulgarian oasis in the green recesses of the Balkan Mountains
The picturesque town of
Nature has been pretty benevolent in
this region. A great number of small rivers and several deep and scenic gorges
run across the Elena hollow. The hills are overgrown with oak-trees, mixed with
hornbeam, lime-trees, ash-trees and other deciduous trees. Wild boars, wolves
and foxes, hares and does inhabit the dense Balkan woods. One can find mountain
barbell and chub in the clear water of the small rivers.
Get to know the architectural heritage
Elena is among the Bulgarian small
highland towns which has managed to preserve the greater part of its
architectural heritage - the buildings from various construction periods, the
churches, the small streets with their build-up and pavements...
The city clock tower is a remarkable
and ingenious monument of culture. Constructed by an unknown master-builder as
early as 1812, its location was chosen so successfully that, as a result, the
tower is visible from any part of the town.
The city clock-tower, together with
the domes and the belfry of the Assumption church blend into a triple vertical
dominant, which marks the public and religious centre of the city.
The Ilaryon Makaryopolsky
museum-house is the most interesting of all the old houses in Elena. The church
independence fighter Ilaryon Makaryopolsky was born here in 1812. Elena's
community centre, by the name of "Headway", was founded in one of the
rooms here.
One of the most characteristic
houses in Elena is the Popnikolov one. It was built in the first half of 19-th century,
about 1830. During the first years following the Liberation from the Ottoman
yoke it sheltered the Civil Technical Office which explains why is also called
'The Old Engineering House".
The Kamburov Inn was built around
the mid 19-th century. Its architecture corresponds to its purpose, to the
purpose, to serve as an inn in the Bulgarian Renaissance and have at the same
time though partially, the functions of a public building.
The Razsukanov houses are five in
number and built under the same roof. They represent a complete urban ensemble
giving specific character to the entire street.
The Jordan Hadjipetkov house is
typical for its facade. There is an art-gallery on the groundfloor, which has a
valuable ancient icon collection.
Burning torch of the Bulgarian Renaissance
Renaissance Elena has left a
significant trace in the history of Bulgarian education and church independence.
In the fall of 1843 Ivan Momchilov
laid the foundations of the Elena class school, which they called
Daskalolivnitza. A host of activists from the Bulgarian Renaissance, like
P.R.SIaveikov, D. Chintulov and others, got their education here.
The St. Nicholas church is the
oldest one in town. It was built at the turn of the 16-th century and burnt
down in 1800 during the kurdjali invasion. The church was rebuilt in 1804.
It was built up secretly without the
permission of the Turkish authorities which explains why it was dug into the
ground.The legend has it that the church had a number of ancient manuscripts
written on parchment.
The Assumption church is next to the
St.Nicholas one. Its solid construction, the spatial interior design and art
details testify to the growing self- confidence of the native population from
the Bulgarian Renaissance period.
The Virgin Birth church is the third
one in town and is situated in its central part. It also testifies to the vivid
spirit of Elena's population, which has always been a pillar of the Christian
faith and the national identity.
In the outskirts of Elena are
situated the Kapinovski monastery and the Plakovski monastery of St Elija -
other monuments from the Bulgarian Renaissance period.
The art of painting during the Bulgarian Renaissance
During the Bulgarian Renaissance
Elena was the place where religious painting flourished. The two monks David
and Jacob were among the most famous masters icon-painters and theirs are the
murals in the "St. Nicholas" church. Their artistic value, technique
and exquisiteness differentiate them considerably from all the remaining murals
belonging to the same period. They are extremely precious and have been
declared cultural monuments of national importance. The "Doomsday"
scene is striking with its composition and artistic performance.
Besides the icon collections
pre-served in the Museum of the Renaissance, there are a number of precious
pieces of Bulgarian religious painting in Elena, which had been made during the
Bulgarian Renaissance, but which remain anonymous because they were never
signed. These anonymous paintings have been the object of particular interest
on the part of church and religious tourism fans.
For your attractive rest
There is not only plenty to see and
get-to-know in Elena but also a chance to spend your holiday in a most
attractive way. Nature in this part of the country bestows on you magic
strength and recharges you with energy.
Hiking fans will be nicely surprised
by a number of picturesque tourist itineraries and eco-paths and of feeling the
natural beauty of the Elena Balkan. Herb and mushroom gathering are also of
particular interest. Adventurers are given the opportunity of mountaineering in
the open or in a hall.
Fishing fans have the special chance
of fishing in crystal-clear rivers or to cool down in the cold water. Upon wish
they can stay overnight in a tent on the bank of the river where there are
special camping sites with barbecues.
One can take a ride on a cart drawn
by horses or ride the pedigree animals. Skillful actors and dance ensembles
will take care of your good disposition and if you wish, you may play and dance
with them. You can witness the preparing of lamb-cheverme (barbecue) and taste
the delicious food.
Those who favour skiing have the
opportunity of climbing the Chumerna peak. There are ski-tracks and rope-lines,
which are extremely useful.
The secrets of creativity
For centuries on the natural beauty
and the wealth of human feelings have been creating wonderful samples of
national mastery in the Elena region. The dexterous hands of the
master-craftsmen have been giving life to the wood, the clay and the colour
turning them into forms. Today's masters and craftsmen do not conceal their
secrets. Their studios and workshops are hospitably open for those who care
about the national crafts.
Everyday life and tradition
The hard-working population of the
Elena region is making its living mainly by stock-breeding, vine and fruit
growing. There is hardly any household in Elena without a special shelter for
the stock. There is hardly a house where they won't offer their guests to
homemade wine or plum brandy. The highlanders are famous for their hospitality.
They are skilled in trading and services, which is a good prerequisite for the
development of tourism in the region.
Elena the ideal place for family vacation
Elena is not just a place where you
can enjoy pure nature and well preserved history but also an opportunity for
spending a holiday together with your family in a most intriguing and amusing
way. Children are paid particular attention here. They can attend specialized
courses for mountain-guides and mountain- rescuers. By spending their holiday
up the mountain in the open air children get to know nature and learn how to
love and preserve it. Laughter and games accompany most naturally the
excursions, the overcoming of difficulties, the competitions and bon- fires,
the fruit and herb gathering.
However, amusement is not meant for
children only, everybody takes part in constructing and marking eco-paths, or
in building-up small wooden bridges and rope- lines. As for the family
bicycle-ridings or the nights in tents under the star-studded sky, these are an
unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Everyday life and tradition
WELCOME AND "CHEERS" are
the two words you are most likely to hear when they meet you in Elena. It is
unthinkable to visit Elena and not taste the local special dishes and drinks as
the famous "Leg the Elena way", the "Elena" fillet or the
15-year-old Elena plum brandy.
It is a must to taste the
eco-logically clean yellow and white cheese made in the "MLAKIMEX"
dairy in Elena
Location
The town of
Elena can be reached by bus or by
car.
On Elena’s mountain, at the foot of
which is Elena, the tourists can go hunting and fishing. The town of the
Bulgarian national revival – Elena and its region are the heart of Bulgarian
spirit and culture. The proof of this is the numerous houses, museums,
monitored, preserved and restored by UNESKO and Bulgarian Ministry of culture.
Elena, with its purred originality
and ethnography for decades past, is with tourist license as Bansko and
Bojentzi. This town was and it is a birthplace of plead of great Bulgarians and
writers of the Bulgarian national revival in the past and in our days: Ilarion
Makariopolski, Petko Karavelov and many others.
In the most sunny and central part
of the town, called by everyone “Sunny beach”, I have a two-storeyed house. The
area on which the house is built is 2164 m2. It is a lovely fruit orchard,
in which there are of some kinds: strawberries, raspberries, black currents,
cherry-tree, morello-tree, plum trees, quince-trees, pears, apples, some huge
walnut-trees (they are under the protection of the country) that is to say
there are most everything that Bulgarian fertile land can produce.
A small vegetable garden enables
every guest to pick ecologically clean vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers
and others. In the house which is more then a hundred years old have an unique
devices, called by natives “Jamali”. They are unique with their architecture,
frugality, ecology and cleanliness. In spite of its age old, the tests of
“Jamali” which were made by the master-builders from the National historical
museum, showed and proofed their functionality and effectiveness. In
It was my duty to do this
notification, because during the working out the architectural, constructive,
water-supply and sewerage, heating and ventilation and other plans, the main
aim was the “Jamali” to come in use as a way for heating the hotel part of the
newly constructed “Private Business Club”. The project (Private Business Club)
is two-storeyed building without basement, with a sloping forms and approximate
size 12.20 x 19.10. The old part is built in the new one. She is
reconstructed. The part, which must be saved is shown in the project and in
constructive notices there are specific instructions. It is specific that the
existing house go into the new street regulation line with 50 sm., which makes
picturesque indentation of the facade to the street. The area is with a strong
slope to the south and that’s why the yard is on two grounds-to the street with
main hill? 0,00, on which the building is situated and a second level to the
north to the yard-garden, which begins at 4.00 m. above the main level.
The project has its main methods at
a level yard to the street and a direct tie through the veranda at the second
floor with the yard at higher level. The two levels are divided with a slopping
wall and catchnient hole.
The building can be divided at 3
blocks, by function:
1.
Sleeping
block, where the guests spend the night. The same is decided as a hotel rooms,
which are situated mainly in the existing part and they are 4 at the first
floor and 4 at the second floor. The three rooms are with own baths, and the
others use a joint one. All the bedrooms are with a wooden floor and with
terracotta at the floor and faience at the walls at H 2,00 m.
2.
Representative
block, which is constructed by two storeyed living-rooms, connected by an inner
ladder. There is a water-pool and sauna to the living-rooms at the first floor.
At the second floor there is a big veranda in front of the living-rooms, who
goes out directly to the yard-garden. In the living-room at the first floor
different activities can be done there, activities like eating, watching TV,
relaxation in the water-pool and sauna. The living-room has a very interesting
fireplace connected with the kitchen block. In the living rooms at the both
floors there are self-service bars for cocktails and coffee. They are with a
wooden floor, white walls and upper planking. Above upper planking there can be
built an air conditioning, heating and in ventilation installations. In the living rooms and at veranda there are
fireplaces (common for the whole Business Private Club they are three, and the
“Jamali” are 4 and they are used for heating 5 rooms).
3.
The
kitchen block consist of a good furnished kitchen and a kitchen office, by
which the serving is doing. There is a small storage accommodation, where can
be built a heating boiler at will. Entering in the object is through two
entrances-one for representative guests directly in the living room at the
first floor and the other is through distributing corridor-reception.
The building is decided by function
as a big and comfortable living home for people with a common business.
The
second aim was the building to be designed in the spirit of Bulgarian old
house, Bulgarian tradition and spirit to be preserved. From Elena’s house some
details will be used as forming the awnings, parapets and wooden columns of the
veranda and terraces, boarding in a bay-window. The roofs are four-sloped, with
Turkish tiled in a slope 1.3.
Inter plaster is smooth, white with
boarding in a bay-window.
The joinery is wooden and wooden
frame in the facade.
The big shop-windows of the
water-pool and veranda, which have sloping
opening wings, will be by a plastic joinery with outside cultivation of a dark
wood. All the outside wooden parts are cultivated with stain, dark, which is up
to sample. The construction with lantern lights above the water-pool will be
done complete by production and profiles of specialized company SHUKO together
with the main designer.
The stonewall of the old house must
be saved.
The new stone facing
must imitate the old wall.
LIVING AREA- 253 m 2
LIVING AREA II FLOOR - 263,6 m 2
UNFOLDED LIVING AREA - 516,60 m 2
The object is under construction.
To
see more information about the project click here