Smolian (Smolyan):
Bulgaria
| Copyright 2007 |
Smolian, also spelt Smolyan, is a city found in the oblast with the same name. Smolian is
situated in the deep south of Bulgaria and has an estimated population of 32,000 (est. 2005).
Smolian is located at the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains and acquired its name from the
tribe known as Smolyani that settled there during the 7th Century. Smolian is not as old as
some of the larger cities of Bulgaria, the first settlements were recorded as one to two
thousand years BC.
situated in the deep south of Bulgaria and has an estimated population of 32,000 (est. 2005).
Smolian is located at the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains and acquired its name from the
tribe known as Smolyani that settled there during the 7th Century. Smolian is not as old as
some of the larger cities of Bulgaria, the first settlements were recorded as one to two
thousand years BC.
The town of Smolian that stands today was actually formed by joining three villages together to
make one larger settlement. This only happened in 1960 so there are many people who live in
Smolian today who originated from these three villages. The villages that joined to form modern
day Smolian were Ustovo, Raykovo and Ezerovo.
Due to its location in the Smolain province (oblast) that borders Greece, Smolian was always
changing hands between the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires during the middle ages and
was also governed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire when they ruled Bulgaria.
make one larger settlement. This only happened in 1960 so there are many people who live in
Smolian today who originated from these three villages. The villages that joined to form modern
day Smolian were Ustovo, Raykovo and Ezerovo.
Due to its location in the Smolain province (oblast) that borders Greece, Smolian was always
changing hands between the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires during the middle ages and
was also governed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire when they ruled Bulgaria.
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Due to its location Smolian and the three villages that lay before it carry a rich history that can
be seen by those who visit in the present day. When walking round the town you will be
confronted by old Bulgarian architecture at every turn as the old buildings have stood the test of
time and battle.
Another beautiful sight to behold in the town is the wonderful backdrop of the Rhodope
Mountains and the rivers that flow from its high peaks.
be seen by those who visit in the present day. When walking round the town you will be
confronted by old Bulgarian architecture at every turn as the old buildings have stood the test of
time and battle.
Another beautiful sight to behold in the town is the wonderful backdrop of the Rhodope
Mountains and the rivers that flow from its high peaks.
