Troyan

For villages named Troian in Leova district, Moldova and Vâlcea County, Romania, see Vozneseni and Râmnicu Vâlcea.
Not to be confused with Trojan.
Troyan
Троян

White Osum river running through the town

Coat of arms
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
Country Bulgaria
Province
(Oblast)		 Lovech
Area
 • City 60.243 km2 (23.260 sq mi)
Elevation 380 m (1,250 ft)
Population (December 2009)[1]
 • City 21,997
 • Density 370/km2 (950/sq mi)
 • Urban 32,632
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 • Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal Code 5600
Area code(s) 0670
Website Official website

Troyan (also spelled Trojan, Bulgarian: Троян) is a town remembering the name of Roman Emperor Trajan, in Lovech Province in central Bulgaria with population of 21,997 inhabitants, as of December 2009.[1] 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 nearest civilian airport is Gorna Oryahovitsa, 105 kilometres (65 miles) away. The river of Beli Osam passes through the heart of the town. The 2011 Census indicates that the population of the Trojan was 21.194 inhabitants. From ethical point of view, the majority of the inhabitants (87,29) were ethnic Bulgarians, with Roma minorities and (1.23%) and Turks (1.03%). For 10,21% of inhabitants is not known the ethnic membership. Donka Mihaylova of Bulgarian Socialist Party has been the town's mayor since 2011.

History

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.

Culture

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.

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.

Nature

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.


Population

The table below shows the changes of the city's population in the post-World War II years (1946–2009)[2]

Year 1946 1956 1965 1975 1985 1992 2001 2005 2007 2009
Population 5 206 9 946 19 005 23 708 26 109 25 104 23 332 22 357 22 327 21 997

Industry

Troyan is the home of the large Actavis generic pharmaceuticals plant as well as the light machinery factories Elma and Mashstroi. 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.

Famous people

Schools

Institutions

Honour

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

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Troyan is twinned with:

Gallery

References

  1. 1 2 (English) Bulgarian National Statistical Institute – towns in 2009
  2. ↑ "Cities of Bulgaria". mashke.org.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Troyan.

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

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/10/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.