- Troyan
Troyan (also spelled Troian, Bulgarian: Троян) is a town in central
Bulgaria with population of about 30,000 and territory of 888,850 m². It is located 160km fromSofia . The nearest civilian airport isGorna Oryahovitsa , 105 km away. The river ofBeli Osam passes through the heart of the town.Dilian Enkin of the
Bulgarian Socialist Party has been the town's mayor since 1995. He has been reelected twice.History
Troyan was named a town in
1868 , when it developed as a craft center for the region. After the liberation it grows slowly. A spark in the town growth was the creation of a small water electrical plant and textile factories. In 1948, the town was connected to the railwayLovech –Levski –Svishtov . Later in time factories producing electrical motors, electrotechnical products, building machines, wool and furniture developed in the town.Culture
The Troyan region is home to the cultural and historical site of the
Troyan Monastery .August 15 is the day of the Monastery's Patron Saint, when thousands of people from the country gather to celebrate and see a unique icon of Mary. The icon is unique in that Mary has three hands made of silver. The origins of the icon are unknown but there are many stories, some of which involve miracles.The town is famous for its traditional pottery, probably developed partly as a result of the qualities of the local clay soil. Pottery was a main source of income for the local craftsmen during the
Bulgarian Renaissance age. Now handmade pottery items are sold as souvenirs to tourists. Fine examples of traditional pottery can be seen in the town's museum, across from the municipal building.Also notable are the Nunki Complex and the St Paraskeva Church, both built in the first half of the 19th century.
The production of premium quality
plum brandy (rakia ) has become a part of the local culture. In connection with this, the town holds the annualFestival of the Plum in the autumn. Plum brandy from Troyan has gained national and international acclaim at major showcases.The official day of Troyan is
October 14 , the day of the town's patron saint,St Petka Paraskeva .Nature
The Troyan region is home to three National Reserves:
Kozia Stena ,Steneto andSeveren Jendem , part of the largerCentral Balkan National Park . The reserves are rich in interesting rock formations, waterfalls and wild life. Most of the interesting spots are tourist-accessible.Industry
Troyan is the home of the large
Actavis [http://www.actavis.bg/] generic pharmaceuticals plant as well as the light machinery factoriesElma andMashstroi [http://www.mashstroy.bg] . Another major industry is the famousplum brandy (slivovarakia ) production breweryVinprom-Troyan .Famous people
*
Ivan Hadzhiyski , psychologist
* DrNikola Shipkovenski , psychiatrist
* DrAngel Balevski
*Minko Nikolov , literature critic)
*Hristo Radevski , poet
* DrMarko Semov
*Todor Shishmanov , musician
*Sasho Dikov , journalist
*Ania Pencheva , actress
*Docho Bodzhakov , film director
*Andrey Andreev , industrialist, philanthropist
*Ilian Peevski , building engineer
* [http://mtod.troian.com/ Milko Todorov ] , artist
*Utkan Toker , trader
*Hristo Penchev , architect
* Dr.Ivelina Boseva , DentistSchools
* [http://www.skobg.org/ Kliment Ohridski Secondary School]
* [http://vasillevski.hit.bg/ Vasil Levski Secondary School]
* Technical High School of Troyan
* Art and Crafts High School
* Ivan Hadgiiski Primary School
* Otets Paisii Primary School
* St. St. Cyril and Methodius Elementary School
* Christo Botev Elementary SchoolInstitute for Mountain Agriculture, part of the National Centre for Agricultural Sciences.
Honour
Troyan Peak onLivingston Island in theSouth Shetland Islands ,Antarctica is named after Troyan.Gallery
External links
* [http://www.troyan-bg.com/engindex.php Tourism in Troyan, Bulgaria website]
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