Sliven Province, found in the eastern part of Bulgaria, is one of the state's 28 self-governing units. Covering 3,544 square kilometers, Sliven region constitutes 3.2% of the nation's total land area. It shares boundaries with the Targovishte and Shumen provinces to the north, the Bourgas Province to the east, the Yambol Province to the south, and the Stara Zagora and Veliko Tarnovo provinces to the west.[4] The capital city, also called Sliven, is located in the region's central part. Sliven city bears considerable history, with the oldest marks of settlement dating back to 6000 BCE of the Neolithic era.[1] In 1834, the first Bulgaria textile mill was founded there, with the tradition of textile production continuing to this day.[3] Additionally, the city has several landmarks to offer, including the Sliven History Museum, Hadzhi Dimitar monument, Clock Tower, and more.[7] Geographically, Sliven Province has diverse relief, encompassing both mountainous and lowland landscapes.[4] In the area, the Sinite Kamani Natural Park can be found, a preservation area housing several protected animal and plant species. However, the area also serves as a tourist destination, providing visitors with walking, hiking, cycling, and skiing opportunities.[5] Generally, the Sliven area features a moderately continental climate with mountainous influence.[4]
Sliven is a town with several cultural attractions. Another landmark is the museum house of Hadzhi Dimitar, a notable contributor to the fight for national liberation. The birthplace of poet Dobri Chintulov and the "Sliven Style of Life" museum in the north offer insight into the region's culture. The Museum of Textile Industry, located in the yard of the first Bulgarian textile factory, showcases historical weaving machines.
The Sliven History Museum on the main pedestrian street displays a collection of golden artifacts from Thracian rulers. Other landmarks include the Hadzhi Dimitar monument, Clock Tower, the Art Gallery "Dimitar Dobrovich," the municipal building, "Stefan Kirov" theater, and the Old Elm tree.[7] Sliven's cultural heritage is also being preserved in contemporary life through state institutions such as the Dramatic Theatre, Puppet Theatre, and National Museum of Textile Industry. In the city, the national community center "Zora," which is a cultural hub featuring a library and a fairly renowned choir, can be found.
Sliven's cultural scene is constituted by a symphony orchestra, folk groups, and community centers. The region is home to 460 archaeological, 200 architectural, and 120 historical monuments, nine of which have national significance. Additionally, the town hosts cultural events such as the International Children's Folk Dance Festival, National Children's Book Festival, and folk fairs.[8]
Near the city of Sliven, Slivenski Mineralni Bani, also known as Dzhinovski Bani, is a balneology resort established around natural hot mineral springs. This resort operates year-round and comprises various balneology facilities, holiday stations, hotels, swimming pools, as well as dining and entertainment options. The mineral water from the springs is reportedly beneficial for treating a range of medical conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, gallbladder problems, locomotory system disorders, and ailments of the peripheral nervous system.
Moreover, the resort holds historical significance, featuring the remains of an ancient Roman bath.[9] Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Sinite Kamani, a rock formation that was declared a Natural Park in 1980. Sinite Kamani is linked to Sliven's history and contains attractions such as Bulgarka Peak, Daulite for winter recreation, and Ablanovo's historic forest nursery garden. With over 50 paths that cater to a variety of activities, Sinite Kamani offers opportunities for people to engage in mountain climbing, caving, cycling, paragliding, and skiing.
A Visitor Information Center at the mountain's foot provides insight into the park's nature and landmarks. Sinite Kamani Natural Park is reportedly recognized as one of Bulgaria's 100 National Tourist Sites.[5]
The landscape in the Sliven area exhibits a diversity, encompassing portions of the Central and Eastern Balkan mountain ranges, the Sliven and Tvardishka valleys, sections of Sarnena Sredna Gora, the Upper Thracian lowland, and the Tundra River valley. The region is crisscrossed by rivers, namely the Tundra, Luda Kamchiya, Tich, and Stara Reka. Mineral springs can also be found near Sliven and Nova Zagora. Additionally, the area holds deposits of brown coal and building construction materials. The Sliven region comprises four municipalities that encompass a total of 120 settlements, of which there are 4 cities and 116 villages. As of January 1, 2003, the region had a population of 215,443 inhabitants, constituting 2.7% of Bulgaria's total population. The population density stands at 61 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is below the national average of 71 inhabitants per square kilometer.[4]
Sinite Kamani, located near Sliven, is a natural protected area known for its geological composition, with the rocks appearing blue under specific atmospheric conditions. This area was declared a Natural Park in 1980, covering 11,380.8 hectares and forming part of Bulgaria's protected areas network. Notably, the Grebenets-Stidovo region lies along the migratory route of birds known as Via Pontica. Within the park, there are six natural landmarks, including the Halkata (The Ring) rock formation and the Kutelka reserve, designated to protect Moesian beech communities and bird of prey habitats.
Sinite Kamani Natural Park showcases biodiversity, featuring 97 lower plant species, 1,027 higher plant species, and a variety of fauna, with 176 bird species and raptors using the rock formations for nesting. The park also participates in a project to restore the Griffon Vulture in Bulgaria.[5]
In terms of climate, the northern part of the Sliven region is moderately continental. In contrast, areas with lower elevations and rolling terrain experience a transitional continental climate.[4] Sliven experiences weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C during May and September. Summer, which encompasses June, July, August, and September, is the hottest season in the region. August, in particular, stands out as the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature of 29°C.
Regarding the coldest month, January is most commonly deemed as such, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C. In terms of precipitation, May ranks as the wettest month, receiving around 95 millimeters of rainfall. In contrast, August is the driest month, with 49 millimeters of precipitation.[6]
Sliven, a city with origins dating back to around 6000 BCE, was initially inhabited by Thracian tribes, including the Asti, Kabileti, and Seleti until Macedonians conquered them. The Romans arrived in the second century BCE, making Sliven part of their Thracian province. From the second to the fourth centuries CE, the city's name appeared as Tuida/Suida/Tsuida, which is likely of Thracian origin. Later, Sliven faced destruction in the fifth century but was rebuilt during Emperor Anastasius I Dicorus's reign. Archaeological excavations revealed basilicas and churches, indicating expansion beyond the fortress.
In the Middle Ages, Sliven became part of the First Bulgarian Empire. During the Ottoman invasion, it was known as "İslimye."[1]
From the early years of Ottoman rule onward, Sliven and its surrounding region emerged as a hub for the haidouck movement, which was the prevalent form of resistance against Ottoman dominance. Consequently, Sliven gained recognition as the "town of a hundred voivodas." The city is also known as the birthplace of national heroes such as Hadji Dimitar and Panaiot Hitov.[2]
Sliven's history as a town dates back to 1153. It endured destruction during Ottoman rule but was subsequently rebuilt during their occupation from the 15th to the 19th century, earning the name Enidzhe Kariesi, meaning "New Town." Sliven evolved into a textile and handicraft production hub during that period.
In 1834, the first Bulgarian textile mill was established in Sliven, and this textile tradition continues with a textile factory still in operation. The town's economy is also supported by other industries, such as stocking and carpet manufacturing, woodworking, engineering, glasswork, and producing wines and food products. Its strategic location on the Sofia–Burgas rail line and multiple road intersections contribute to its economic vitality.
Sliven played a role in the Bulgarian cultural revival of the 19th century and today hosts a library, theater, museum, and symphony orchestra as part of its cultural heritage.[3]
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