Articles from category: Shoumen from bulgariainside.com

Shoumen

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:32:00 +0300

Bulgarian tsar Simeon the Great gave the name of the town of Shoumen. According to historic evidence, the town carried the name Shimeonis, or the town of Simeon, in the past. Shoumen is located in northeastern Bulgaria, nearly 100 km away from Varna. The town is ancient and witnessed many key historic developments. One of the most important fortresses in Bulgaria is situated in Shoumen. During the First Bulgarian Kingdom, the fortress protected the old Bulgarian capitals of Pliska and Preslav. During the revival period, the town grew. A number of cultural institutions appeared for the first time in Shoumen. The first Bulgarian theater play was presented there. Shoumen also hosted the first girl’s school. Many revolutionaries and public figures acted there. Shoumen’s landmarks include the town’s history museum that has a rich collection of...

Shoumen Plateau

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:55:00 +0300

Shoumen Plateau nature park was named a protected territory in 1980. The park is located right next to the town of Shoumen. Apart from the fact that it protects numerous animal and plant species, the park is known as a historic site where various landmarks are located. Shoumen fortress, probably one of the most important landmarks of the region, is situated on one of the park hills. The fortress remains can be seen in Hisarluka region. The complex is made of residential buildings, sanctuaries and the fortification. Archaeologists have partially restored the complex, turning it into one of the favorite tourist places in the region. If you are exploring both the Shoumen Plateau and Shoumen, head to Kioshkovete park. The region begins in the western districts of the town. Shoumen Plateau is known for the large number of caves there, most of which explored. Over 60 caves have...

Tomboul Mosque

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:47:00 +0300

Tomboul Mosque is the biggest Muslim sanctuary in Bulgaria and the second biggest mosque on the Balkans. Its construction took place in 1744 in the town of Shoumen. In the 18th century, Tomboul mosque was in Shoumen’s very center but the growth of the town has moved it to the southwestern part of the town today. Ottoman ruler Sherif Khalil insisted on the construction of the sanctuary in 1740. Columns from Pliska were used in the construction. The official name of the mosque is Sherif Khalil after its creator but most people know is as Tomboul (a word meaning rounded in Turkish). The name is derived from the shape of its dome. The area of the mosque is 1730 decares. The complex consists of a mosque, a religious school, a dorm for religion students and a yard. All parts of the building are connected with each other via the yard. The prayer hall is...