What Targovishte is known for

Targovishte, the capital city of the Targovishte Province, features several historical and cultural monuments. In the city, two theaters can be found: the Open-Air Drama Theatre, accommodating more than 500 spectators, and the Puppet Theatre, with 125 seats. Various shows featuring Bulgarian artists are staged at these venues throughout the year, while a local brass band and a women's choir regularly perform. The Nikola Marinov Art Gallery in Targovishte showcases the creations of the local painter, with a collection encompassing over 1,700 paintings, 700 sketches, and 12 sculptures that are exhibited within a 3,000-square-meter exhibition hall. For a journey through the region's rich history, the Targovishte Historical Museum houses more than 25,000 diverse artifacts. These exhibits are divided among three buildings: Saint Sedmochislenitsi's School, which primarily covers general history; Hadzhi Rusi, home to historical artifacts; and Hadzhiangelov's House, dedicated to ethnographic history. In the heart of the city lies Varosh, the old town characterized by its numerous churches and ancient buildings.[7]

Nature enthusiasts can travel to Svetlata Dupka, a cave located in the Targovishte region. This cave provides views of the "Boaza" area and the hills housing Misionis (Krumovo Kale) below.[8] The Missionis fortress, also known as Krumovo Kale, is a historically significant monument in Bulgaria, offering insights into its past. This fortress, built during Emperor Justinian I's reign in the late fifth century, stands as part of Byzantium's defense system. Situated near Targovishte, at the foot of the Preslav Mountain, these ruins hold cultural heritage status and are among Bulgaria's Hundred National Tourist Sites. The name of this ancient city, Misionis, was first documented in the writings of Arab scholar Muhammad al-Idrisi in 1153, describing it as a trade hub connected to Russia. However, it faded into obscurity until the 1960s when Professor Dimitar Ovcharov initiated excavations and uncovered the remains of this vast ancient city. Misionis, a prototype of today's Targovishte, safeguarded a vital trade route connecting the port of Odessos (Varna) to the Second Bulgarian Kingdom's capital, Veliko Tarnovo. The archaeological findings within the fortress have unveiled various aspects of its history, including entire neighborhoods, buildings, water reservoirs, and architectural remnants, such as fortress walls, gates, towers, early Christian basilicas that date back to the fifth and sixth centuries, and a church that dates back to the twelfth to the fourteenth centuries. Numerous artifacts were found, namely ceramics, weapons, jewelry, glassware, and coins from Byzantine emperors and Bulgarian kings. Visitors can explore the site freely or arrange guided tours at the "Missionis" information center in Hunting Park or the Regional Historical Museum in Targovishte, which showcases some of these discoveries.[9] 

Geography

The Targovishte region comprises 5 municipalities and encompasses a total of 196 settlements. The largest city in the region is Targovishte, which serves as the regional center. Other municipal centers include Popovo, Omurtag, Antonovo, and Opaka. Furthermore, Targovishte ranks among the nation's least populous regions, with a population of 139,600 residents, which accounts for 1.8% of the total national population. The population density in the region, at 54.6 inhabitants per square kilometer, falls beneath the national average of 70.7 inhabitants per square kilometer.[4] 

Geographically, the landscape of Targovishte Province varies from flat to hilly and low-mountainous, with elevations ranging from 150 to 690 meters. The city of Targovishte itself sits at an altitude of approximately 170 meters. To the north, the municipality encompasses the Targovishte field, extending alongside the Vrana River. In contrast, the southern and western parts of the municipal territory encompass low-mountain regions, including the Preslavsko-Dragoev mountain range, which features the highest peak, "Kodzhakus," standing at 690 meters, and the Severoslonish plateau area. Moreover, the composition of the soil in Targovishte municipality is a result of various factors, including geological structure, the influence of continental climate conditions, the undulating terrain, and the vegetation cover. The predominant soil type in the municipality is gray forest soil, covering the largest portion of the territory. Chernozem soils are the next most common and are primarily located in the Trade Field. Mixed alluvial-diluvial soils are present in the dissected landforms, while alluvial soils can be found in the watercourse beds.[6]

Presumably, the most favorable weather conditions in Targovishte occur during May and September, when temperatures typically range between 20°C and 26°C. Summer, the hottest season, spans from June through September. August is the warmest month of the year, with an average maximum temperature of 29°C. Conversely, January is the coldest month in Targovishte, as it experiences an average maximum temperature of 5°C. In terms of precipitation, June is the wettest month, receiving an average of 83 millimeters of rainfall. On the contrary, August is the driest month, with only 47 millimeters of precipitation.[5]

History

Archaeological findings in the Targovishte region, including Thracian settlements dating back from the third to the fifth centuries BC and a Roman-era settlement from the second and fourth centuries AD, reveal its ancient history. Following the Roman conquest in the first century AD, the region became part of Lower Moesia. Although ancient texts don't mention specific cities, sizable settlements near Gorsko Ablanovo and Kovachevets suggest urban characteristics. However, the Barbarian raids marked the fifth and sixth centuries, leading Emperor Justinian to build fortifications in the area and secure the Trade Passage. Notably, the Battle of 811 between Khan Krum and Emperor Nicephorus may have occurred in the Trade Pass, supported by inscriptions and artifacts from the ninth to tenth centuries. These archaeological findings highlight the region's historical significance in early Bulgarian history and military conflicts.[1]

Later, the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans took place in the 14th century. Targovishte City's modern foundation dates back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. During Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878, the city faced hardships. As the Ottoman army retreated towards Shumen, irregular troops remained, causing destruction, looting, and death of nearly 500 residents. They also set fire to the dedicated fairgrounds. In the 1940s, in line with the broader national industrialization efforts, the communist regime aimed to develop heavy industry in the city, including a military vehicle repair plant. However, after the fall of the communist regime in the 1990s, many of the city's heavy industries struggled to survive the ensuing economic crisis.[2]

Today, Targovishte is a town in eastern Bulgaria situated along the Vrana River. In the past, it was known for its cattle fair, drawing visitors from across the Balkans. Today, it remains a hub for craftsmanship, specializing in the production of textiles, furniture, pottery, and processed foods. It also serves as a strategic crossroads, with five major roads radiating outward from the town.[3]