Sliven - About

More about the city

Sliven

Country: Bulgaria

Throughout the centuries, Sliven has become an important cultural center for arts and crafts. It is the eight largest Bulgarian city and is also an administrative center of Sliven Municipality. As per the National Statistical Institute data as of 31.12.2018, Sliven’s population is 86,275. During the National Revival, the city was a home to a powerful hajduk movement against the Ottoman conquerers and has ever since been known as the “City of the 100 Voivodes”. It is famous for being the birthplace of national heroes such as Hadzhi Dimitar and Panayot Hitov, as well as other fighters against tyranny and slavery.

History

The history of Sliven is very rich as the city was founded in the early 1153, according to the Arabic geographer Idrisi. He called it Istilifinos. The city was also called: Savulen, Tsoida, Tuida, Islimie, Istlifanos, Slivno, etc. In his book Vasil Mikov uses the name Sliven, meaning a place where two rivers merge. During the First Bulgarian Empire, the Sliven area was within the territory of the so-called Zagore Region. The city continued to exist even after the First Bulgarian Empire was destroyed. During the Second Bulgarian Empire it was a center for Christianity. The “Small Holly Forest” complex that included over twenty small monasteries was established at that time. In 1388, the city was invaded, and all forts were destroyed. In the XVIII century Saint Paisius mentioned the city’s modern name (Sliven) in his book Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya. During the National Revival, the city became famous for producing shotguns, pistols and iron tools. At that time Sliven was a significant center for trade, crafts, culture, and education. Sliven was liberated during the Russo-Turkish War but during that period it was extremely vulnerable in demographic and economic aspect. The city residents were very active in the fight for spiritual and national independence. On January 4, 1878, Sliven was finally freed from the Ottoman rule. In the XIX century it was one of the largest cities in Bulgaria with a population of over 20,000 people.

Geography

The city’s location is very favorable because it lies on a crossroad. It is close both to the Hainboaz Pass, and the road junction, called Petolachkata (the Pentagram). The altitude of the city varies between 180 and 300 meters. Sliven is situated 280 km away from the capital and 180 km away from the second largest city—Plovdiv. The city is also about 130 km away from the Greek and Turkish border. The biggest Bulgarian port, namely Burgas, is 102 km east of the city. The Vratnik and Sliven Pass determine Sliven’s borders. Sliven is an agricultural and spiritual center, as well as a regional and municipal administrative center. The Sliven area is 3544 sq.km and it includes 4 municipalities with a total of 12 towns and 42 villages.

Infrastructure

Sliven is proud of its low unemployment rate and positive demographic development. A unified branch of the Sofia Technical University is also located in the city. The most important branches of the city's economy are food production, as well as manufacturing of carpets, textile, and goods. Sliven’s fully developed road network is considered better than the average for the country and it is a prerequisite for economic development. The city offers opportunities for road, rail, as well as air transportation (Barshen Airport near Sliven). The number of young people living or commuting to the city is relatively high due to the branch of the Technical University.

Development

Sliven—the City of the 100 Voivodes. An amazing spot offering a wonderful opportunity for a pleasant and memorable holiday. Every year Sliven hosts a variety of interesting events that guarantee a great time to both its citizens and visitors. The most traditional ones of which are: the Sliven Drag Race, the Magic of the Wind international arts festival, the annual Karakachani gathering, etc. The city keeps developing rapidly which attracts loads of tourist year after year. Sliven and its surroundings offer plenty of sights that with time have become symbols of the city. The city provides an enjoyable atmosphere, a lovely nature and an opportunity for tourists to get a taste of Sliven’s history and roots.