Smolyan is a town in Southern Bulgaria’s Middle Rhodopes region. It is situated 104 kilometers south of Plovdiv and 98 kilometers west of Kardzhali. The town encompasses a sizable portion of the Cherna River valley (Black River). In 1960, the three big hamlets of Smolyan, Raykovo, and Ustovo amalgamated to become the town of Smolyan. The town has a population of roughly 32 000 people.
The earliest archaeological finds in the Smolyan Region date from the late Bronze Age – 13th century BC. The Rhodopes are a holy Thracian mountain considered to be the birthplace of Orpheus. The investigated sanctuaries atop Kom Peak (1570m), the mound necropolis near Gela Village, and the distinctive flat necropolis at Stoykite Village all bear witness to this time (11th century BC).
Thracians turned to Christianity during the fourth and fifth centuries, as shown by the existence of several early Christian basilicas (7th–9th century).
After the Ottomans invaded Bulgaria, the Sultan granted the territory of the Middle Rhodopes to court physician Aha Chelebi by a decree dated in 1519. As a result, this locality is sometimes referred to as Ahachelebi.
Smolyan Region remained a part of the Ottoman Empire’s territory until 1912.
Tourists are drawn to the Old Houses Architectural Complex in Cheshitska Quarter. This is the estate’s oldest area, and it has some of the most spectacular mansions erected after 1835. Semi-detached homes are quite prevalent in the area. A semi-detached home is made up of two dwelling units connected by a party wall. They are not functionally linked. Cheshitevs’ Semi-Detached House was constructed by an unknown craftsman around the turn of the nineteenth century. It is a classic semi-detached home with symmetry. Its proprietors – brothers Georgi and Todor Cheshitev – were prosperous artisans.
The House of Milyon Chesitev is an example of a single symmetrical structure that belonged to a wealthy businessman.
Gyordzhev’s Shelter was built in 1873 to house and support a craftsman’s family. Raycho Gyordzhev, a wool manufacturer, formerly owned the mansion. The mansion was given to Smolyan History Museum in 1984 and was used to stage an exhibition honoring Hungarian poet and translator Laszlo Nagi.
Around 1870, the Chesitska Fountain was constructed. According to local folklore, the water of this spring has medicinal properties.
The Stoyu Shishkov Regional History Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Smolyan. The Rhodopes’ Cultural and Historical Endowment from Ancient Times to the Present The museum’s Permanent Exhibition contains extensive information on the region’s history.
Smolyan is home to Bulgaria’s largest planetarium and astronomy observatory. It opened in 1975 and is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions. There are opportunities for telescopic views, sessions in the starry hall, and performances-tales for the smallest children, among other things.
Smolyan is also home to the biggest Orthodox temple in Southern Bulgaria. On 2 July 2006, the church was dedicated. It is named after Vissarion of Smolyan, a local bishop and martyr from the 17th century.
Smolyan Lakes is located on the left bank of the Cherna River (Black River) valley, north of Orpheus’ Rocks and Snezhanka Peak (Snow White Peak). There were around 20 lakes in the past, but only seven survive now since the rest have become marshes. Keranovia gyol Lake (alternatively spelled Platenoto Lake) is located near the end of Smolyan, on the left side of the route to Pamporovo and Plovdiv. Camping and fishing are permitted in the lake area.
Outside of town, the 750-meter-long Nevyastata Eco-Trail (the Bride Eco-Trail) is being constructed. It leads to Nevyastata Rock (Sokolitsa, Turluka), one of Smolyan’s most recognizable landmarks. It begins around twenty meters from the Smolyan – Pamporovo road. The trail begins to the right of the St. Pantaleimon Monastery’s entry arch. The route meanders through several lovely areas — bizarrely formed rocks that are covered with wild geraniums, moss, and fern.
The Soskovcheto Reserve and the Waterfall Canyon Eco-Trail begin in the western outskirts of Smolyan, near the end of the Sredok Housing Estate. The trail’s highest point is roughly 1800 meters above mean sea level, with a vertical descent of around 700 meters. The route ascends the river and passes through a series of water cascades, producing a network of small and medium waterfalls that flow into one another. The route spans the Elenska River through metal and elegant timber bridges. They are constantly followed by rest areas and picnic areas.
Smolyan extends a cordial greeting to all of its guests. There are a few modest hotels in town, but there is additional lodging available in the nearby towns and Pamporovo Resort. The eateries feature delectable regional fare.
Smolyan - Introduction
Climate of Smolyan
Smolyan has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate or a dry-summer warm-summer humid continental climate, depending on whether the 0 or -3 degrees celsius isotherm is utilized.
Population of Smolyan
Smolyan had a population of around 5,000 just after World War II. Since then, it has grown decade after decade, mostly due to migration from rural regions and neighboring smaller towns, reaching a high of over 34,000 in the early 1990s.
According to Aha Celebi, 8,252 families already exist, including 2,815 Exarchists, 140 Patriarchists, and 5,297 Bulgarian Muslims or Pomaks. (Lyubomir Miletich, „Thracian Bulgarians: Their Destruction in 1913“) In 1912, the village was home to 320 Bulgarian Muslim households, 80 Bulgarian Exarchist families, and 40 Patriarchist families. In Ustuvo, there are 420 Bulgarian Exarchist families; in Raykovo, there are 700 Bulgarian Exarchist families, 100 Bulgarian Patriarchist families, and 70 Bulgarian Muslims households. Currently, the majority practice Islam, while the remainder are mostly Bulgarian Orthodox or unaffiliated.
According to the most recent 2011 census statistics, those who indicated their ethnic identification were divided into the following categories:
Bulgarians: 25,045 (97.0%)
Roma: 258 (1.0%)
Turks: 153 (0.6%)
Others: 120 (0.5%)
Indefinable: 248 (1.0%)
Undeclared: 4,818 (15.7%)
Culture and sports in Smolyan
Due to its advantageous position atop Mount Rozhen, the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory is nearby, as is a planetarium. There is just one theatre, the Rhodope Drama Theatre, and each summer, the Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory brings together theatre practitioners and researchers. Additionally, a regional history museum was established in 1935.
Smolyan had a football club in the premier league, PFC Rodopa Smolyan, which competed in the A Professional Football Group from 2003 to 2007.
The Cathedral of Saint Vissarion of Smolyan, southern Bulgaria’s biggest cathedral, was dedicated in the city in July 2006.
History of Smolyan
The region near Smolyan was initially occupied around the second to first millennia BC, according to archaeological findings. It got its name in the Middle Ages from a Slavic tribe called the Smolyani, who lived in the area in the 7th century. It was governed by the Part of the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires throughout the Middle Ages. It was briefly under the hands of the Bulgarian feudal lord Momchil during the 14th century, along with the rest of the Rhodope mountains, before succumbing to the Ottoman Empire. Between 1867 and 1912, Smolyan was a township of the Ottoman Sanjak of Gümülcine in the Adrianople Vilayet.
The territory was liberated during the First Balkan War in 1912 by the 21st Sredna Gora Regiment, headed by Vladimir Serafimov. Smolyan as we know it now was founded in 1960 by the amalgamation of three existing settlements — Ustovo, Raykovo, and Ezerovo.
Smolyan
Smolyan
Smolyan is a town in Southern Bulgaria’s Middle Rhodopes region. It is situated 104 kilometers south of Plovdiv and 98 kilometers west of Kardzhali. The town encompasses a sizable portion of the Cherna River valley (Black River). In 1960, the three big hamlets of Smolyan, Raykovo, and Ustovo amalgamated to become the town of Smolyan. The town has a population of roughly 32 000 people.
The earliest archaeological finds in the Smolyan Region date from the late Bronze Age – 13th century BC. The Rhodopes are a holy Thracian mountain considered to be the birthplace of Orpheus. The investigated sanctuaries atop Kom Peak (1570m), the mound necropolis near Gela Village, and the distinctive flat necropolis at Stoykite Village all bear witness to this time (11th century BC).
Thracians turned to Christianity during the fourth and fifth centuries, as shown by the existence of several early Christian basilicas (7th–9th century).
After the Ottomans invaded Bulgaria, the Sultan granted the territory of the Middle Rhodopes to court physician Aha Chelebi by a decree dated in 1519. As a result, this locality is sometimes referred to as Ahachelebi.
Smolyan Region remained a part of the Ottoman Empire’s territory until 1912.
Tourists are drawn to the Old Houses Architectural Complex in Cheshitska Quarter. This is the estate’s oldest area, and it has some of the most spectacular mansions erected after 1835. Semi-detached homes are quite prevalent in the area. A semi-detached home is made up of two dwelling units connected by a party wall. They are not functionally linked. Cheshitevs’ Semi-Detached House was constructed by an unknown craftsman around the turn of the nineteenth century. It is a classic semi-detached home with symmetry. Its proprietors – brothers Georgi and Todor Cheshitev – were prosperous artisans.
The House of Milyon Chesitev is an example of a single symmetrical structure that belonged to a wealthy businessman.
Gyordzhev’s Shelter was built in 1873 to house and support a craftsman’s family. Raycho Gyordzhev, a wool manufacturer, formerly owned the mansion. The mansion was given to Smolyan History Museum in 1984 and was used to stage an exhibition honoring Hungarian poet and translator Laszlo Nagi.
Around 1870, the Chesitska Fountain was constructed. According to local folklore, the water of this spring has medicinal properties.
The Stoyu Shishkov Regional History Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Smolyan. The Rhodopes’ Cultural and Historical Endowment from Ancient Times to the Present The museum’s Permanent Exhibition contains extensive information on the region’s history.
Smolyan is home to Bulgaria’s largest planetarium and astronomy observatory. It opened in 1975 and is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions. There are opportunities for telescopic views, sessions in the starry hall, and performances-tales for the smallest children, among other things.
Smolyan is also home to the biggest Orthodox temple in Southern Bulgaria. On 2 July 2006, the church was dedicated. It is named after Vissarion of Smolyan, a local bishop and martyr from the 17th century.
Smolyan Lakes is located on the left bank of the Cherna River (Black River) valley, north of Orpheus’ Rocks and Snezhanka Peak (Snow White Peak). There were around 20 lakes in the past, but only seven survive now since the rest have become marshes. Keranovia gyol Lake (alternatively spelled Platenoto Lake) is located near the end of Smolyan, on the left side of the route to Pamporovo and Plovdiv. Camping and fishing are permitted in the lake area.
Outside of town, the 750-meter-long Nevyastata Eco-Trail (the Bride Eco-Trail) is being constructed. It leads to Nevyastata Rock (Sokolitsa, Turluka), one of Smolyan’s most recognizable landmarks. It begins around twenty meters from the Smolyan – Pamporovo road. The trail begins to the right of the St. Pantaleimon Monastery’s entry arch. The route meanders through several lovely areas — bizarrely formed rocks that are covered with wild geraniums, moss, and fern.
The Soskovcheto Reserve and the Waterfall Canyon Eco-Trail begin in the western outskirts of Smolyan, near the end of the Sredok Housing Estate. The trail’s highest point is roughly 1800 meters above mean sea level, with a vertical descent of around 700 meters. The route ascends the river and passes through a series of water cascades, producing a network of small and medium waterfalls that flow into one another. The route spans the Elenska River through metal and elegant timber bridges. They are constantly followed by rest areas and picnic areas.
Smolyan extends a cordial greeting to all of its guests. There are a few modest hotels in town, but there is additional lodging available in the nearby towns and Pamporovo Resort. The eateries feature delectable regional fare.
Smolyan - Introduction
Climate of Smolyan
Smolyan has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate or a dry-summer warm-summer humid continental climate, depending on whether the 0 or -3 degrees celsius isotherm is utilized.
Population of Smolyan
Smolyan had a population of around 5,000 just after World War II. Since then, it has grown decade after decade, mostly due to migration from rural regions and neighboring smaller towns, reaching a high of over 34,000 in the early 1990s.
According to Aha Celebi, 8,252 families already exist, including 2,815 Exarchists, 140 Patriarchists, and 5,297 Bulgarian Muslims or Pomaks. (Lyubomir Miletich, „Thracian Bulgarians: Their Destruction in 1913“) In 1912, the village was home to 320 Bulgarian Muslim households, 80 Bulgarian Exarchist families, and 40 Patriarchist families. In Ustuvo, there are 420 Bulgarian Exarchist families; in Raykovo, there are 700 Bulgarian Exarchist families, 100 Bulgarian Patriarchist families, and 70 Bulgarian Muslims households. Currently, the majority practice Islam, while the remainder are mostly Bulgarian Orthodox or unaffiliated.
According to the most recent 2011 census statistics, those who indicated their ethnic identification were divided into the following categories:
Culture and sports in Smolyan
Due to its advantageous position atop Mount Rozhen, the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory is nearby, as is a planetarium. There is just one theatre, the Rhodope Drama Theatre, and each summer, the Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory brings together theatre practitioners and researchers. Additionally, a regional history museum was established in 1935.
Smolyan had a football club in the premier league, PFC Rodopa Smolyan, which competed in the A Professional Football Group from 2003 to 2007.
The Cathedral of Saint Vissarion of Smolyan, southern Bulgaria’s biggest cathedral, was dedicated in the city in July 2006.
History of Smolyan
The region near Smolyan was initially occupied around the second to first millennia BC, according to archaeological findings. It got its name in the Middle Ages from a Slavic tribe called the Smolyani, who lived in the area in the 7th century. It was governed by the Part of the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires throughout the Middle Ages. It was briefly under the hands of the Bulgarian feudal lord Momchil during the 14th century, along with the rest of the Rhodope mountains, before succumbing to the Ottoman Empire. Between 1867 and 1912, Smolyan was a township of the Ottoman Sanjak of Gümülcine in the Adrianople Vilayet.
The territory was liberated during the First Balkan War in 1912 by the 21st Sredna Gora Regiment, headed by Vladimir Serafimov. Smolyan as we know it now was founded in 1960 by the amalgamation of three existing settlements — Ustovo, Raykovo, and Ezerovo.
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