published on 14.12.2007, 12:56 Author: Svilen Dimitrov Article rating:
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The town of Kurdzhali is situated in the eastern part of the Rhodope Mountains. Little is known of its history but according to scientists it appeared as a settlers’ town. Turkish immigrants decided to live there after their conquest over Bulgarian lands.
Kurdzhali’s name probably came from the name of the Turkish warrior Kyrdzha Ali, who got the admiration and support of people. His followers established the settlement around the grave of the respected leader.
Today Kyrdzhali has mixed population, which has led to some ethnic tension in the region.
The region has rich heritage and various sites to show to tourists. The sanctuaries of Tatoul and Perperikon are located in this area. Perperikon is the biggest megalith complex found until present and its discovery turned into scientific event on global scale.
Perperikon is located on a hill that is also the site of a Roman fortress and an early Christian church with big stone altar. Archaeologists are still working in the region. They discovered recently the structure of an ancient city underneath the remains of the fortress. Work in the region is expected to continue many more years.
Before visiting Perperikon do some research. If you go on your own you might understand very little. Try contacting a guide in Kurdzhali’s history museum. The guide will tell you more, while taking you through the remains.
Apart from the famous sanctuaries, the region is known for the fortress Monyak and the fortress of Oustra located near the village of Ivantsi.
Kyrdzhali also hosts one of the biggest Middle Age monuments. The church St. Yoan Predtecha is located in Veselchane district and was recently renovated. It was part of a monastery complex from the 11th to the 14th century, which was also a residence. A bishop’s grave was found there. The finding, as well as some clothes, proves the hypothesis that Kyrdzhali probably was a bishop’s center.
The town’s museum is probably one of the richest in the country. It is housed in a unique building that has been named an architecture monument.
A number of archaeological and natural sites are found in the region of Kurdzhali. To take a look at them all, you will need at least two days. The strange ‘stone mushrooms’ are also nearby. The dam of Kurdzhali attracts fishermen and happens to be a nice place for relaxation. Numerous hotels and cafés offer refreshments nearby.
Kurdzhali’s name probably came from the name of the Turkish warrior Kyrdzha Ali, who got the admiration and support of people. His followers established the settlement around the grave of the respected leader.
Today Kyrdzhali has mixed population, which has led to some ethnic tension in the region.
The region has rich heritage and various sites to show to tourists. The sanctuaries of Tatoul and Perperikon are located in this area. Perperikon is the biggest megalith complex found until present and its discovery turned into scientific event on global scale.
Perperikon is located on a hill that is also the site of a Roman fortress and an early Christian church with big stone altar. Archaeologists are still working in the region. They discovered recently the structure of an ancient city underneath the remains of the fortress. Work in the region is expected to continue many more years.
Before visiting Perperikon do some research. If you go on your own you might understand very little. Try contacting a guide in Kurdzhali’s history museum. The guide will tell you more, while taking you through the remains.
Apart from the famous sanctuaries, the region is known for the fortress Monyak and the fortress of Oustra located near the village of Ivantsi.
Kyrdzhali also hosts one of the biggest Middle Age monuments. The church St. Yoan Predtecha is located in Veselchane district and was recently renovated. It was part of a monastery complex from the 11th to the 14th century, which was also a residence. A bishop’s grave was found there. The finding, as well as some clothes, proves the hypothesis that Kyrdzhali probably was a bishop’s center.
The town’s museum is probably one of the richest in the country. It is housed in a unique building that has been named an architecture monument.
A number of archaeological and natural sites are found in the region of Kurdzhali. To take a look at them all, you will need at least two days. The strange ‘stone mushrooms’ are also nearby. The dam of Kurdzhali attracts fishermen and happens to be a nice place for relaxation. Numerous hotels and cafés offer refreshments nearby.
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Kurdzhali