Troyan

Troyan (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 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. The racial distribution of the inhabitants is ethnic Bulgarians (87.29%), with minorities being Roma (1.23%) and Turks (1.03%). The ethnicity for 10,21% of inhabitants is not known. Donka Mihaylova of Bulgarian Socialist Party has been the town's mayor since 2011.

For other uses, see Troyan (disambiguation).
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
CountryBulgaria
Province
(Oblast)		Lovech
Area
 • City60.243 km2 (23.260 sq mi)
Elevation
380 m (1,250 ft)
Population
 (December 2009)[1]
 • City21,997
 • Density370/km2 (950/sq mi)
 • Urban
32,632
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal Code
5600
Area code(s)0670
WebsiteOfficial website

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]

Year194619561965197519851992200120052015
Population5 2069 94619 00523 70826 10925 10423 33222 35720 280

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.

Notable people

Schools
  • Kliment Ohridski Secondary School
  • Vasil Levski Secondary School
  • Technical High School of Troyan
  • Art and Crafts High School
  • Ivan Hadgiiski Primary School
  • Otets Paisii Primary School
  • St. St. Cyril and Methodius Elementary School
  • Christo Botev Elementary School

Institutions
  • Military Geographic Centre of the Bulgarian Armed Forces
  • Institute for Mountain Agriculture, part of the National Centre for Agricultural Sciences

Honour

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

International relations
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Bulgaria

Twin towns — sister cities

Troyan is twinned with:[3]

gollark: Stock markets have all inevitably failed.
gollark: Why?
gollark: Interesting!
gollark: Everyone thinks they're chaotic good.
gollark: Not routinely.

References
  1. (in English) Bulgarian National Statistical Institute – towns in 2009
  2. "Cities of Bulgaria". mashke.org.
  3. "Побратимени градове". troyan.bg (in Bulgarian). Troyan. Retrieved 2019-10-30.

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