Articles from category: Samokov from bulgariainside.com

Bairakli Mosque, Samokov

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:26:00 +0300

If you decide to examine the central part of Samokov, you will certainly notice the tall and ornate building situated at 49 Turgovska street. Bairakli mosque impresses with its exceptional architecture and decorations. The mosque was named Iokousha but today everyone calls it Bairakli. It was constructed in the middle of the 19th century probably after the local Ottoman governor required the setting up of a sanctuary. During the mosque’s restoration, a sanctuary plan carrying the signatures of three Bulgarian craftsmen was discovered. The plan proves that Bulgarians from the Samokov school of art were actively involved in the construction. Some of the splendid wall paintings were covered right after their creation. Yet, archaeologists have managed to recover some of the beautiful drawings. Wall paintings cover the entire Bairakli mosque façade. The...

Samokov

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:22:00 +0300

The town of Samokov, 60 km away from the capital of Sofia, is located on the northern slope of Rila Mountain. Samokov is one of the biggest Rila towns and has its centuries of history. In ancient times, its inhabitants processed metal, activity which probably gave birth to the town’s name. Famous artists from Bulgaria’s revival period were born in Samokov. The brothers Dimitar and Zahari Zograf are well known among many other artists and icon painters. The Samokov school of art started exactly there. Today Samokov has its modern looks. Samokov residents are mainly involved in agricultural production (the well-known Samokov potatoes) and tourism development. Most of the staff in the nearby resort of Borovets comes from Samokov. Some of the town attractions include the history museum, a women’s monastery and several churches. The surrounding...