Troyan

Summary

Troyan (Bulgarian: Троян pronounced [troˈjan]) is a town remembering the name of Roman Emperor Trajan, in Lovech Province in central Bulgaria . It is the administrative centre of the homonymous Troyan Municipality. The town is about 162 kilometres (101 miles) away from the country capital Sofia. The river of Beli Osam passes through the heart of the town. The 2021 Census indicates that the population of the Trojan was 18,449 inhabitants. The ethnic distribution of the inhabitants (as of 2009) is ethnic Bulgarians (87.29%), with minorities being Roma (1.23%) and Turks (1.03%). [2] Donka Mihaylova of Bulgarian Socialist Party has been the town's mayor since 2011.

Troyan
Троян
White Osum river running through the town
White Osum river running through the town
Coat of arms of Troyan
Troyan is located in Bulgaria
Troyan
Troyan
Location of Troyan
Coordinates: 42°52′58.8″N 24°43′1.2″E / 42.883000°N 24.717000°E / 42.883000; 24.717000
CountryBulgaria
Province
(Oblast)
Lovech
Government
 • MayorDonka Mihaylova (BSP)
Area
 • City60.243 km2 (23.260 sq mi)
Elevation
380 m (1,250 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • City18,449
 • Density310/km2 (790/sq mi)
 • Urban
27,687
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal Code
5600
Area code0670
WebsiteOfficial website

History edit

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 railway Lovech – Levski – Svishtov. Later in time factories producing electrical motors, electrotechnical products, building machines, wool and furniture developed in the town.

Geography edit

The town is about 162 kilometres (101 miles) away from the country capital Sofia. The river of Beli Osam passes through the heart of the town.

Nature edit

The Troyan region is home to three National Reserves: Kozia Stena, Steneto and Severen Jendem, part of the larger Central Balkan National Park. The reserves are rich in interesting rock formations, waterfalls and wild life. Most of the interesting spots are tourist-accessible.

Culture edit

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.[citation needed]

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 annual Festival 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.

Troyan Peak in Tangra Mountains on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands is named after the town.

Population edit

The table below shows the changes of the city's population in the post-World War II years (1946–2009)[3]

Year 1946 1956 1965 1975 1985 1992 2001 2005 2015
Population 5 206 9 946 19 005 23 708 26 109 25 104 23 332 22 357 20 280

Industry edit

Troyan is the home of the large Actavis [1] generic pharmaceuticals plant as well as the light machinery factories Elma and Mashstroi[2]. There is located also plywood mill Welde. Another major industry is the famous plum brandy (slivova rakia) production brewery Vinprom-Troyan.

In Troyan is situated one of the largest chair producers in Bulgaria – "Elimex – Ivan Radevski". Elimex – Ivan Radevski is an established company with more than 20 years of experience in the furniture industry, strong traditions and modern style consciousness. The company is specialized in the production of massive wood chairs mainly from oak, beech, birch etc... ELIMEX is among the companies with the highest production capacity in Bulgaria with 10 000 chairs per month, and the only company in Bulgaria with experience and traditions in bending wood parts for our chairs.

Notable people edit

Schools edit

  • Kliment Ohridski Secondary School
  • 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 School

Institutions edit

Honour edit

Troyan Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Troyan.

International relations edit

Twin towns — sister cities edit

Troyan is twinned with:[4]

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Население по области, общини, местоживеене и пол | Национален статистически институт". nsi.bg.
  2. ^ The ethnicity for 10,21% of inhabitants is not known. "Годишна отчетност за дейността на предприятията за 2022 г."
  3. ^ "Cities of Bulgaria". mashke.org.
  4. ^ "Побратимени градове". troyan.bg (in Bulgarian). Troyan. Retrieved 2019-10-30.

External links edit

  • Official website of Troyan
  • Tourism in Troyan, Bulgaria website
  • News from Troyan
  • CityNet Troyan OnLine)

42°53′N 24°43′E / 42.883°N 24.717°E / 42.883; 24.717