Plovdiv 182553 226091781 2008-07-16T20:03:02Z 89.215.34.230 /* City government */ {{redirect|Filiba|the village in Burkina Faso|Filiba, Burkina Faso}} <!-- Infobox starts !--> {{Infobox Settlement |official_name = Plovdiv |nickname = The city of the seven hills |image_skyline = Plovdiv-princess-road-imagesfrombulgaria.JPG |imagesize = 250px |image_flag = |image_seal = Plovdiv-coat-of-arms.svg|60px|right|Coat of arms of Plovdiv |image_map = Plovdiv location in Bulgaria.png |mapsize = |map_caption = Position of Plovdiv in Bulgaria |subdivision_type = [[Countries of the world|Country]] |subdivision_type1 = Province |subdivision_name = [[Bulgaria]] |subdivision_name1 = Plovdiv |leader_title = [[List of mayors of Plovdiv|Mayor]] |leader_name = [[Slavcho Atanasov]] [[IMRO|VMRO]] |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = 101 |area_land_km2 = 101 |area_water_km2 = 0 |population_as_of = 31.12.2005 |population_note = |population_total = 378107 |population_metro = 575297[http://www.eufunds.bg/docs/OPRD_29August_FINAL_Revised.pdf] |population_density_km2 = 3352 |timezone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]] |utc_offset = +2 |timezone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]] |utc_offset_DST = +3 |latd=42 |latm=9 |latNS=N |longd=24 |longm=45 |longEW=E |elevation_m = 164 |website = |footnotes = }} <!-- Infobox ends !--> '''Plovdiv''' ({{lang-bg|Пловдив}}) is the second-largest city in [[Bulgaria]] after [[Sofia]], with a population of 378,107.<ref name="grao.bg">[http://grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt General Directorate of Citizens' Registration and Administrative Services: Population Chart as of [[December 15]], [[2007]] for the City of Plovdiv (Bulgarian). Retrieved on 2007-12-18]</ref> It is the administrative centre of [[Plovdiv Province]] in southern Bulgaria and three municipalities (Plovdiv, [[Maritsa municipality|Maritsa]] and [[Rodopi municipality|Rodopi]]), as well as the largest and most important city of the historical region of Upper (or Northern) [[Thrace]]. The city is an important economic, transport, cultural and educational centre.<ref>{{cite book |last=|first= |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=p. 138 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 }}</ref> Plovdiv is situated in the central part of the [[Upper Thracian Plain]] on the two banks of the [[Maritsa River]]. It is 10 km from the [[Rhodope mountains]] and 50 km from the [[Balkan mountains]]. The city is constructed on seven [[syenite]] hills, some of which are 250 m high. Because of these seven hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as ''Градът на седемте тепета'' (the city of the seven hills). Plovdiv is host to economic and cultural events such as the [[International Fair Plovdiv]], the international theatrical [[festival]] "A scene on a crossroad", the TV festival "The golden chest". There are many remains preserved from [[classical antiquity|Antiquity]] such as the [[Plovdiv Roman amphitheatre|Ancient amphitheatre]], Roman odeon, [[Plovdiv Roman Stadium|Roman Stadium]], the archaeological complex ''Eirene'' and others. In the 12th century BC the settlement on one of the hills grew to the [[Thracians|Thracian]] city of ''Eumolpias'' which was among the first cities in Europe. ==Name== During its long history, Plovdiv was given various names: in [[Thracian language|Thracian]]: ''Pulpudeva, Eumolpias''; {{lang-la|Trimontium}}; {{lang-el|Φιλιππούπολη, Φιλιππούπολις}} / ''Philippoupoli'', ''Philippoupolis''; {{lang-tr|Filibe}}. In the Middle Ages the Bulgarians called the city ''Paldin'' (Пълдин) or ''Plavdiv'' (Плъвдив). The city was usually known as Philippopolis in English until the early 20th century. The [[asteroid]] ([[minor planet]]) 3860 Plovdiv is named after the city. It was discovered by the [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]] astronomer [[Violeta G. Ivanova]] on 8 August 1986. [[Plovdiv Peak]] (1040 m) on [[Livingston Island]] in the [[South Shetland Islands]], [[Antarctica]] is named after Plovdiv. ==Geography== [[Image:Plovdiv-view-gruev.JPG|left|thumb|A view over Plovdiv]] Plovdiv is situated in the central parts of the [[Upper Thracian Plain]]. It is divided by southern Bulgaria's largest river [[Maritsa]]. Only one of the city's six districts is located to the north of the river and the main part of the city lies to the south. The plain of Plovdiv is an [[alluvial plain]] formed by the Maritsa and its tributaries. The heights of [[Sredna Gora]] rise to the north-west, to the east are the Chirpan Heights. To the south the plain is surrounded by the slopes of the [[Rhodope mountains]]<ref>{{cite book |last=|first= |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=p. 145 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 }}</ref> which are steep and around 1300 meters high with the valleys of the rivers [[Vacha River|Vacha]], Stara Reka, Yadenitsa, Chepinska and others cutting their way through the heavily forested mountain. In the city itself there are six syenite hills, called ''tepeta''. In the beginning of the 20th century they used to be seven but one of them was destroyed. Traditionally the citizens call them Dzhendem tepe, Bunardzhik, Sahat tepe, Nebet tepe, Dzhambaz tepe and Taksim tepe. The last three form the area of the Three hills ({{lang-bg|Трихълмие}}) in the central part of the city.<ref name=>[http://www.milarodino.com/bg/13_centuries/city/plovdiv/ Седемте чудеса на България - Пловдив]</ref> ===Climate=== The climate is [[temperate]] with strong influence from the Mediterranean and is typical of southern Europe. Summers are generally extremely hot and dry. Winters tend to either have a very mild [[Mediterranean]] character, or a very cold Siberian character, and sometimes see elements of both. The average annual temperature is 12.4°С. The average maximum temperature is in July - 30.3°С and the absolute maximum was recorded during the same month in 2000 - 45.0°С. The average minimum temperature is 6.5°С and the absolute minimum was -31.5°С measured during an [[Inversion (meteorology)|inversion]]. The average relative humidity is 73%, it is highest in December - 86% and lowest in July and August - 62%. The total precipitation is 540&nbsp;mm - the wettest month of the year is May with an average precipitation of 66.2&nbsp;mm, while the driest is August with an average of 31&nbsp;mm. The average number of days with a snow blanket in Plovdiv is 23. The average depth of the blanket of snow is 2 to 4 cm and the maximum is normally 6 to 13 but in some winters it can reach 50&nbsp;cm or more. Gentle winds (0 to 5&nbsp;m/sec) are predominant in the city with wind speeds of up to 1&nbsp;m/s representing 95% of all winds during the year. Mists are common in the cooler months especially along the banks of the Maritsa. On average there are 33&nbsp;days with [[mist]] during the year.<ref>[http://new.plovdiv.bg/files/OPR_END.pdf Общински план за развитие на Пловдив 2005 - 2013 г.], посетен на 10 ноември 2007 г.</ref> '''Climate table:''' <!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather |metric_first=yes <!--Entering Yes will display metric first. Leave blank for imperial--> |single_line=yes <!--Entering Yes will display metric and imperial units on same line.--> |location = Plovdiv |Jan_Hi_°C =5 |Jan_REC_Hi_°C =24.6 <!--REC temps are optional; use sparely--> |Feb_Hi_°C =8.9 |Feb_REC_Hi_°C =26 |Mar_Hi_°C =14.8 |Mar_REC_Hi_°C =30.2 |Apr_Hi_°C =21.7 |Apr_REC_Hi_°C =31.4 |May_Hi_°C =26.3 |May_REC_Hi_°C =36.2 |Jun_Hi_°C =31.4 |Jun_REC_Hi_°C =45.8 |Jul_Hi_°C =36.2 |Jul_REC_Hi_°C =46.7 |Aug_Hi_°C =35.6 |Aug_REC_Hi_°C =44.2 |Sep_Hi_°C =30.4 |Sep_REC_Hi_°C =39.0 |Oct_Hi_°C =21.6 |Oct_REC_Hi_°C =30.3 |Nov_Hi_°C =11.3 |Nov_REC_Hi_°C =23.9 |Dec_Hi_°C =4.1 |Dec_REC_Hi_°C =21.1 |Year_Hi_°C =20.6 |Year_REC_Hi_°C =46.7 |Jan_Lo_°C =-3.7 |Jan_REC_Lo_°C = |Feb_Lo_°C =-2.2 |Feb_REC_Lo_°C = |Mar_Lo_°C =4.3 |Mar_REC_Lo_°C = |Apr_Lo_°C =8.7 |Apr_REC_Lo_°C = |May_Lo_°C =12.0 |May_REC_Lo_°C = |Jun_Lo_°C =18.9 |Jun_REC_Lo_°C = |Jul_Lo_°C =22.8 |Jul_REC_Lo_°C = |Aug_Lo_°C =21.4 |Aug_REC_Lo_°C = |Sep_Lo_°C =19.1 |Sep_REC_Lo_°C = |Oct_Lo_°C =13.7 |Oct_REC_Lo_°C = |Nov_Lo_°C =8.0 |Nov_REC_Lo_°C = |Dec_Lo_°C =-1.5 |Dec_REC_Lo_°C = |Year_Lo_°C =10.1 |Year_REC_Lo_°C = <!--**** use mm or cm but not both! ****--> |Jan_Precip_cm = |Jan_Precip_mm = 39 |Feb_Precip_cm = |Feb_Precip_mm = 33 |Mar_Precip_cm = |Mar_Precip_mm =37 |Apr_Precip_cm = |Apr_Precip_mm =36 |May_Precip_cm = |May_Precip_mm =51 |Jun_Precip_cm = |Jun_Precip_mm =65 |Jul_Precip_cm = |Jul_Precip_mm =32 |Aug_Precip_cm = |Aug_Precip_mm =24 |Sep_Precip_cm = |Sep_Precip_mm =30 |Oct_Precip_cm = |Oct_Precip_mm =41 |Nov_Precip_cm = |Nov_Precip_mm =49 |Dec_Precip_cm = |Dec_Precip_mm =44 |Year_Precip_cm = |Year_Precip_mm =481 |source =worldweather.org<ref>[http://www.worldweather.org/103/c00303.htm World Weather Information Service]</ref> |accessdate = }}<!--Infobox ends--> ==History== {{main|History of Plovdiv}} ===Antiquity=== [[Image:Odeon in Plovdiv.jpg|right|thumb|The Roman [[odeon]].]] Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is a contemporary of [[Troy]] and [[Mycenae]], and older than [[Rome]], [[Carthage]] or [[Constantinople]]. Archaeologists have discovered fine pottery<ref>[http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_en/?id=collection&prm=prehist]</ref> and other objects of everyday life from as early as the Neolithic Age, showing that in the end of the 7<sup>th</sup> millennium B.C there already was an established settlement there.<ref>Детев, П. ''Разкопки на Небет тепе в Пловдив'', ГПАМ, 5, 1963, pp. 27-30</ref><ref>Ботушарова, Л. ''Стратиграфски проучвания на Небет тепе'', ГПАМ, 5, 1963, pp. 66-70</ref> According to [[Ammianus Marcellinus]], Plovdiv's written post-Bronze Age history lists it as a [[Thracians|Thracian]] fortified settlement named Eumolpias. In 4th century BC the city was a centre of a trade fair (called ''panegyreis'').<ref>''История на България'', Том 1, Издателство на БАН, София, 1979, p. 142</ref> In 342 BC, it was conquered by [[Philip II of Macedon]]<ref>''История на България'', Том 1, Издателство на БАН, София, 1979, p. 206</ref>, the father of [[Alexander the Great]], who renamed it "Φιλιππόπολις", ''Philippopolis'' or "the city of Philip" in his own honour. Later, it was reconquered by the [[Thracians]] who called it ''Pulpudeva'' (a translation of Philipopolis)<ref name="pld">[http://old.plovdiv.bg/istoriq_grad.htm История на Пловдив]</ref> In 72 AD it was seized by the Roman general Terentius Varo Lukulus and was incorporated into the [[Roman Empire]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians - the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |pages=p. 17 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref>, where it was called ''Trimontium'' (''City of Three Hills'') and served as metropolis (capital) of the province of [[Thrace]]. It gained a city status in late 1st century.<ref>''История на България'', Том 1, Издателство на БАН, София, 1979, p. 307</ref> Thrimontium was an important crossroad for the Roman Empire and was called "The largest and most beautiful of all cities" by [[Lucian]]. Although it was not the capital of the Province of Thrace, the city was the largest and most important centre in the province.<ref>Lenk, B. - RE, 6 A, 1936 col. 454 sq</ref> In those times, the ''[[Via Militaris]]'' (or ''Via Diagonalis''), the most important military road in the [[Balkans]], passed through the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seecorridors.eu/index.php?w_p=27&w_l=2&w_c=3&w_id=450 |title=Cultural Corridors of South East Europe/Diagonal Road |publisher=Association for Cultural Tourism }}</ref><ref>Николов, Д. ''Нови данни за пътя Филипопол-Ескус'', София, 1958, p. 285</ref> {{Quote box2 |width= 20em |border= 1px |margin= 2px |align= left |bgcolor= #c6dbf7 |halign= left |quote= "This [Plovdiv] is the biggest and loveliest of all towns. Its beauty shines from faraway..." |source= Roman writer [[Lucian]].}} The Roman times were a period of growth and cultural excellence.<ref>{{cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians - the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |pages=pp. 18-19 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> The ancient ruins tell a story of a vibrant, growing city with numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, and theatres. The city had advanced water system and [[sewerage]]. It was defended with a double wall. Many of those are still preserved and can be seen by the tourist. Today only a small part of the ancient city has been excavated.<ref name="pld">[http://www.plovdivcity.net/bg/plovdiv_history.html PlovdivCity.net], посетен на 10 ноември 2007 г.</ref> ===Middle Ages=== [[Slavic peoples|The Slavs]] had fully settled in the area by the middle of the 6th century and changed the ethnic proportions of the region.<ref>{{cite book |last=Dimitrov |first=B. |title=The Bulgarians - the first Europeans |publisher=University press "St Climent of Ohrid" |location=Sofia |pages=p. 25 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-07-1757-4 |year=2002 }}</ref> With the establishment of [[Bulgaria]] in 681 Philipopolis became and important border fortress of the [[Byzantine Empire]]. It was captured by Khan [[Krum of Bulgaria|Krum]] in 812 but the region was fully incorporated into the [[First Bulgarian Empire|Bulgarian Empire]] in 834 during the reign of Khan [[Malamir of Bulgaria|Malamir]].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 66 ISBN 954-427-216-X</ref> It remained in Bulgarian hands until it was conquered by the [[Byzantine Empire]] in 970 or 971. In 970 the Asian army of the Byzantine Empire under the eunuch Peter was destroyed by the Bulgarians near Plovdiv.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Syuzyumov |first=М |title=Sources from Leo Deacanus and Scyzitzes (Ob istochnikah Leva Diakona i Skilitsi, Об источниках Льва Дьякона и Скилицьi) |journal=ВО |issue=2 |year=1916 |language=Russian }}</ref> The city again came to be known as Philippopolis and became Byzantine in character. Aime de Varennes in 1180 encountered the singing of Byzantine songs in the city that recounted the deeds of Alexander the great and his predecessors, over 1300 years before.<ref>Vacalopoulos, Apostolos E. ''Origins of the Greek Nation''. (New Brunswick, New Jersey: Eutgers University Press, 1970) p. 22</ref> [[Image:Krum1.jpg|left|thumb|220px|[[Khan (title)|Khan]] [[Krum of Bulgaria|Krum]] was the first Bulgarian ruler to capture Plovdiv.]] Byzantine rule was succeeded by that of the [[Latin Empire]] in 1204, and there were two short interregnum periods as the city was twice occupied by [[Kaloyan of Bulgaria]] before his death in 1207.<ref name="pld">[http://www.focus-news.net/?id=n819663 Агенция Фокус - Цар Калоян получава корона, скиптър и знаме от кардинал Лъв], посетен на 17 ноември 2007 г.</ref> In 1208 Kaloyan's successor [[Boril of Bulgaria|Boril]] was defeated by the Latins in the [[battle of Plovdiv (1208)|battle of Plovdiv]].<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 180 ISBN 954-427-216-X</ref> Under Latin rule, Plovdiv was the capital of the [[Duchy of Philippopolis]] governed by [[Renier de Trit]], and later on by Gerard de Strem. Bulgarian rule was reestablished during the reign of [[Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria|Ivan Asen II]] between 1225 and 1229. In 1263 Plovdiv was conquered by the restored [[Byzantine Empire]] and remained in Byzantine hands until it was re-conquered by [[George II of Bulgaria|George Terter II]] of Bulgaria in 1322.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 253 ISBN 954-427-216-X</ref> Byzantine rule was restored once again in 1323, but in 1344 the city and eight other towns were surrendered to Bulgaria by the regency for [[John V Palaiologos]] as the price for [[Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria]]'s support in the Byzantine civil war.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 272 ISBN 954-427-216-X</ref> In 1364 the [[Ottoman Turks]] under Lala Shakhin Pasha seized Plovdiv.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 274 ISBN 954-427-216-X</ref><ref name="pat">{{cite book |last= |first= |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=p. 139 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 }}</ref> The Turks called the city ''Filibe''. It was the capital of Rumelia until 1382 when the Ottomans captured [[Sofia]] which became the main city of the province. Plovdiv survived as one of the major cultural centers for Bulgarian culture and tradition. The name ''Plovdiv'' first appeared around that time and is derived from the city's Thracian name ''Pulpudeva'' (assumed to be a translation of Philippopolis, from Pulpu = Philippou and deva = city), which was rendered by the Slavs first as ''Pəldin'' (''Пълдин'') or ''Pləvdin''. ===National revival=== {{main|Bulgarian National Revival}} [[Image:St. Bogoroditza plovdiv.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Virgin Mary Church.]] Under the rule of the [[Ottoman Empire]], Plovdiv was a focal point for the Bulgarian national movement in the [[Eastern Rumelia]] province of the Empire. During that period Plovdiv was a major economic center along with [[Istanbul]], [[Odrin]] and [[Solun]]. The richer citizens constructed beautiful houses many of which can still be seen in the Architectural reserve ''Old Plovdiv''. Plovdiv was a sanjak centre of [[Rumelia]] Province between 1364-1864 and was the sanjak centre of [[Edirne]] Vilayet between 1864-1878 during Ottoman Rule. Plovdiv had an important role in the struggle for Church independence which was according to some historians a peaceful bourgeois revolution. Plovdiv became the center of that struggle with leaders such as [[Nayden Gerov]], Dr Valkovich, [[Joakim Gruev]] and whole families. In 1836 the first Bulgarian school was inaugurated and in 1850 modern secular education began when the "St Cyrill and Metodius" school was opened. On [[11 May]] 1858 the day of [[Saints Cyril and Methodius]] was celebrated for the first time, this later became a National holiday which is still celebrated today. In 1858 in the Church of Virgin Mary the Christmas liturgy was served for the first time in the [[Bulgarian language]] since the beginning of the Ottoman occupation. In 1868 the school expanded into the first grammar school. Some of the intellectuals, politicians and spiritual leaders of the nation graduated that school.<ref name="pld" /> The city was liberated from the Ottomans during the [[Battle of Plovdiv]] in 1878.<ref name="pat" /> ===Eastern Rumelia=== {{main|Bulgarian unification}} According to the [[Treaty of San Stefano]] on [[3 March]] [[1878]] the Principality of Bulgaria included the lands with predominantly Bulgarian population. Plovdiv which was the biggest and most vibrant Bulgarian city was selected as a capital of the restored country and for a seat of the Temporary Russian Government.<ref name="ocertsi">Очерци из историята на Пловдив (стр. 80 - Космополитен град. Махали и квартали в ново време)</ref> [[Great Britain]] and [[Austria-Hungary]], however, did not approve that treaty and the final result of the war was concluded in the [[Congress of Berlin]] which divided the newly liberated country into several parts. It separated the autonomous region of [[Eastern Rumelia]] from Bulgaria and Plovdiv became its capital. The Ottoman Empire created a constitution and appointed a governor.<ref name=>[http://www.mfa.government.bg/history_of_Bulgaria/87.html История на България, страница на МВНР]</ref> At the time, it had a population of about 33,500, of which 45% were [[Bulgarians]], 25% [[Greeks]], 21% [[Turkish people|Turks]], 6% [[Jew]]s and 3% [[Armenians]]. In the spring of 1885 [[Zahari Stoyanov]] formed the Secret Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee in the city which actively conducted propaganda for the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. On [[5 September]] several hundred armed rebels from Golyamo Konare (now [[Saedinenie]]) marched to Plovdiv. In the night of 5-6 September these men led by Danail Nikolaev took control of the city and removed from office the General-Governor [[Gavril Krastevich]]. A provisional government was formed led by Georgi Stranski and universal mobilization was announced.<ref>Аndreev, J. ''The Bulgarian Khans and Tsars'' (''Balgarskite hanove i tsare'', ''Българските ханове и царе''), Veliko Tarnovo, 1996, p. 322 ISBN 954-427-216-X</ref> After the Serbs were defeated in the [[Serbo-Bulgarian War]], Bulgaria and Turkey reached an agreement according to which the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia had a common government, Parliament, administration and army. Today [[6 September]] is celebrated as the Unification Day and the Day of Plovdiv. ===Recent history=== After the unification Plovdiv remained second city in population and significance after the capital [[Sofia]]. The first [[railway]] in the city was built in 1874 and in 1888 it was linked with Sofia. In 1892 Plovdiv became host of the First Bulgarian Fair with international participation which was succeeded by the [[International Fair Plovdiv]]. After the liberation the first brewery was inaugurated in the city. [[Image:Cathedral Plovdiv.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The St Loius Catholic Cathedral.]] In the beginning of the 20th century Plovdiv grew as a significant industrial and commercial center with well developed light and food industry. [[Germany|German]], [[France|French]] and [[Belgium|Belgian]] capital was invested in the city in development of modern trade, banking and industry. In 1939 there were 16,000 craftsmen and 17,000 workers in manufacturing factories, mainly for food and tobacco processing. During the [[Second World War]] the tobacco industry expanded as well as the export of fruit and vegetables. In 1943 1,500 [[Jews]] were saved from deportation in [[concentration camp]]s by the archbishop of Plovdiv [[Patriarch Cyril of Bulgaria|Cyril]] who later became Bulgarian Patriarch. On [[6 April]] [[1956]] the first trolleybus line was opened and in the 1950s the Trimontsium Hotel was constructed. In the 1960s and 1970s there was a construction boom and many of the modern neighborhoods took shape. In the 1970s and 1980s antique remains were excavated and the Old Town was fully restored. In 1990 the Sports complex "Plovdiv" was finished, it included the largest stadium and rowing canal in the country. In that period Plovdiv became the birthplace of Bulgaria's movement for democratic reform, which by 1989 had garnered enough support to enter government. Plovdiv has hosted specialized exhibitions of the [[World's Fair]] in 1981, 1985, and 1991. == Demographics == ===Population=== The population (including those who live somewhere else in Bulgaria or outside the country but possess [[Bulgarian passport]]s) for the municipality of Plovdiv for 2007 is 375,137 which makes it second in population in the nation. According to the data of NSI (National Institute of Statistics) the people who actually live in Plovdiv are 346,790.<ref>http://grao.bg/tna/tab02.txt</ref> {{Demography 10col|400px| 1880|1884|1887|1892|1900|1910|1920|1926|1934|1939| 24,053|33,442|33,032|36,033|43,033|47,981|64,415|84,655|99,883|105,643}} Just before the [[Liberation of Bulgaria]] Plovdiv was the second largest Bulgarian city after [[Stara Zagora]]. According to the data from 1880 it had 24,053 inhabitants.<ref>[http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/index.php?lang_id=1&prm=actions&subprm=%20Zfdghkl: Eastern Rumelia between Europe and Orient], [[17 January]] [[2008]] г.</ref> Before it was burned down by the Turks in 1877 Stara Zagora had a population of 25,480 <ref>[http://www.chambersz.com/index.php/content/view/6411/112/]</ref> while the capital [[Sofia]] had 20,501 inhabitants according to the first census in the [[Principality of Bulgaria]] in 1880. After the Unification Plovdiv was the largest city in the country for several years with 33,032 inhabitants compared to 30,428 for Sofia. According to the 1946 census Plovdiv was the second largest city with 117,563 inhabitants compared to 487,000 for the capital.<ref name="ocertsi" /> ===Ethnicity and religion=== In its ethnic character Plovdiv is a cosmopolitan city inhabited by [[Bulgarians]], [[Turkish people|Turks]], [[Armenians]], [[Jews]], [[Greeks]] and [[Gypsies]]. According to the 1884 census the Bulgarians were 50,09%, followed by Turks (21,36%), Greeks (16,44%), Jews (6,48%) and Armenians (2,93%). After the Wars for National Union ([[Balkan Wars]] and [[World War I]]) the city became home for thousands of refugees from the occupied Bulgarian lands in [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]], [[Western Thrace]] and [[Eastern Thrace]]. Many of the old neighbourhoods are still referred to as ''Belomorski'', ''Vardarski''. Most of the Jews left the city after the foundation of [[Israel]] in 1948. The Bulgarians are a majority followed by Gypsies and Turks.<ref>[http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv Information for Plovdiv Demographic features (in Bulgarian)]</ref> [[Image:Plovdiv4.jpg|thumb|800px|center|From left to right: A view from the central square; the City hall; a fountain in the City garden; a church near the Post Office.]] The vast majority of the inhabitants are [[Christians]] - mostly [[Eastern Orthodox]] but there are also [[Catholics]], [[Eastern Catholic]]s and [[Protestant]] trends ([[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Adventists]], [[Baptists]] and others). There are also some [[Muslims]] and [[Judaism|Jews]]. In Plovdiv there are many churches, two mosques and a synagogue. ==City government== Plovdiv is the administrative center of [[Plovdiv Province]], Municipality of Plovdiv, [[Maritsa municipality]] and [[Rodopi municipality]]. The [[Mayor]] of the Municipality of Plovdiv [[Slavcho Atanasov]] <ref>[http://www.plovdiv.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=196]</ref>, together with the six district mayors represent the local executive authorities. The Municipal Council which consists of 51 municipal counselors, represents the legislative power and is elected according to the proportional system by parties’ lists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://new.plovdiv.bg/?lang_id=1&prm=power&subprm=plovdiv |title=Община Пловдив }}</ref> The executive government of the Municipality of Plovdiv consists of a mayor who is elected by majority representation, five deputy mayors and one administrative secretary. All the deputy mayors and the secretary control their administrative structured units. According to the ''Law for the territorial subdivision of the Capital municipality and the large cities''<ref>[http://lex.bg/laws/ldoc.php?IDNA=2133624321 Law for the territorial subdivision of the Capital municipality and the large cities], посетен на 16 ноември 2007 г.</ref> the territory of Plovdiv Municipality is subdivided into six district administrations, their mayors being appointed following approval by the Municipal Council. [[Image:Hotel Trimontsium54.JPG|thumb|350px|right|The Trimontsium Hotel.]] {| class="wikitable" ! District ! Neighbourhoods |- | [[Central district, Plovdiv|Central]] <br/> | neighbourhoods ''Kapana'', ''Stariya grad'', ''Marasha'', ''Centar'' |- | [[Northern district, Plovdiv|Northern]] <br/> | neighbourhoods ''Karshiaka'', ''Gagarin'', ''Filipovo'', ''Zaharna Fabrika'' |- | [[Southern district, Plovdiv|Southern]] <br/> | neighbourhoods ''Hristo Botev - Yug'', ''Hristo Botev - Sever'', ''Vastanecheski'', ''Uhoto'', ''Yuzhen'', ''Komatevo'', ''Ostromila'', ''Belomorski'' |- | [[Eastern district, Plovdiv|Eastern]] <br/> | neighbourhoods ''Kamenitsa'', ''Izgrev'', ''Stolipinovo'' |- | [[Western district, Plovdiv|Western]] <br/> | neighbourhoods ''Hristo Smirnenski'', ''Proslav'', ''Maldezhki Halm'', ''Mladost'' |- | [[Trakiya district|Trakiya]] <br/> | ''Olga Skobeleva'', ''Lauta'' |} In 1969 the villages of [[Proslav]] and [[Komatevo]] were incorporated into the city. In 1987 the municipalities of Maritsa and Rodopi were separated from Plovdiv which remained their administrative center. In the last several years the inhabitants from those villages had taken steps to rejoin the "urban" municipality.<ref>[http://news.plovdiv24.com/36695.html Темите на 2007-ма: Ягодово - квартал на Пловдив, Plovdiv24.com], [[3 February]] [[2008]] г.</ref> ==Landmarks== Plovdiv is a major cultural center. The city has more than 200 archaeological sites<ref>{{cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher= |location=Sofia |pages=p. 371 |language=Bulgarian/English |isbn=954-91672-I-6 |year=2005 }}</ref>, 30 of which are of national importance. There are many remains from antiquity - Plovdiv is among the few cities with two ancient theatres; remains of the medieval walls and towers; Ottoman baths and mosques; a well-preserved old quarter from the National Revival period with beautiful houses, churches and narrow paved streets. There are numerous museums, art galleries and cultural institutions. Plovdiv is host to musical, theatrical and film events. The city is a starting point for trips to places in the region, such as the [[Bachkovo Monastery]] at 30 km to the south, the ski-resort [[Pamporovo]] at 90 km to the south or the [[spa resort]]s to the north [[Hisarya]], [[Banya]], Krasnovo, [[Strelcha]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher= |location=Sofia |pages=p. 395 |language=Bulgarian/English |isbn=954-91672-I-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> There are more that 50 hotels with 7,000 beds as well as hostels and other forms of accommodation.<ref>{{cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher= |location=Sofia |pages=p. 395 |language=Bulgarian/English |isbn=954-91672-I-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> ===Antique city=== [[Image:RomanTheaterPlovdiv.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The Antique theatre of Plovdiv.]] The [[Plovdiv roman amphitheatre|Antique theatre]] which is wrongly referred to as the Amphitheatre is one of the most famous monuments from the [[classical antiquity|Antiquity]] in Bulgaria.<ref>[http://www.purebulgaria.com/bg_version/cities.php?city_id=165]</ref> It was built in the beginning of the 2nd century during the reign of the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] Emperor [[Trajan]]. It is situated in the natural saddle between the Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe hills. It is divided into two parts with 14 rows each divided with a horizontal lane. The theatre could accommodate 3,500 people.<ref>[http://ideabg.com/clients/oldtown/en/mesta/antichen.php The Antique theatre]</ref> The three-storey scene is located on the southern part and is decorated with [[frieze]]s, cornices and statues. The theatre was studied, conserved and restored between 1968 and 1984. Many events are still held on the scene<ref>{{cite book |last=|first= |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=p. 140 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 }}</ref> including the [[Verdi]] festival and the International Folklore festival. The Roman Odeon was restored in 2004.<ref>[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1308.htm The Roman odeon]</ref> It was built in 2-5th century and is the second (and smaller) antique theatre of Philipopolis with 350 seats. It was initially built as a bulevterion - edifice of the city counsel and was later reconstructed as a theatre. The Roman forum dates from the reign of [[Vespasian]] in 1st century and was finished in the 2nd century. It is located near the modern post office next to the Odeon. It has an area of 11 hectares and was surrounded by shops and public buildings. The forum was a focal point of the streets of the ancient city.<ref name="ppdv">{{cite book |last=|first= |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=p. 138 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 }}</ref> [[Image:Plowdiw - Römisches Stadion.jpg|thumb|200px|The remains of Roman stadium.]] The [[Plovdiv Roman Stadium|Roman Stadium]]<ref>[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page838.htm The Roman stadium]</ref> is another important monument of the ancient city. It is situated between Sahat Tepe and the Three hills in the modern Dzhumaya Square. It was built in the 2nd century and modeled after the stadium in [[Delphi]]. In Roman times it could hold 30,000 spectators.<ref name="ppdv" /> Only a small part of the northern section with 13 seat rows can be seen nowadays - the larger part lies under the main street and a number of buildings. The Eirene Archaeological complex is located in the southern part of the Three hills on the northern part of an ancient street in the Arheologicheski underpass. It includes remains of a public building from 3-4th century which belonged to a noble citizen. Eirene is the Christian name for Penelopa - a maiden from Megadon who was converted to Christianity in 2nd century. There are colourful mosaics which have geometrical forms and figures.<ref>[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page910.htm Eirene Archaeological complex]</ref> On Nebet Tepe are found remains of the first settlement on the Three hills which in 12th century BC grew to the [[Thracian]] city of Eumolpias, one of the first cities in [[South-eastern Europe]]. Massive walls surrounding a temple and a palace have been excavated. The oldest part of the fortress was constructed from large syenite blocks - the so called "cyclop construction". ===Museums and protected sites=== The Archaeological Museum was established in 1882 as a People's Museum of Eastern Rumelia.<ref>[http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=main&prm=welcome Archaeological Museum Plovdiv]</ref> In 1928 the museum was moved to a 19th century edifice on Saedinenie Square built by the famous Plovdiv architect Josif Shniter. The museum contains a rich collection of Thracian art. The three section "Prehistory"<ref>[http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=prehist Archaeological Museum Plovdiv - Prehistoric art]</ref>, "Antiquity"<ref>[http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=roman Archaeological Museum Plovdiv - Roman art]</ref> and "Middle Ages"<ref>[http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=medieval Archaeological Museum Plovdiv - Middle Ages art]</ref> contain precious artifacts from the [[Paleolithic]] to the early Ottoman period (15th-16th centuries).<ref name="mus">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1719.htm Museums of Plovdiv]</ref> The famous [[Panagyurishte treasure]] is part of the museum's collection.<ref>[http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_bg/?id=collection&prm=thracian Archaeological Museum Plovdiv - Panagyurishte treasure]</ref> [[Image:Etnografski muzey Plovdiv.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Ethnographic Museum.]] The [[Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum|Historical Museum]] of Plovdiv<ref>[http://historymuseumplovdiv.com/?lang_id=2 Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum]</ref> was founded in 1951 as a scientific and cultural institute for collecting, saving, and researching historical evidence about Plovdiv and the region from 16th to 20th centuries. The exhibition is situated in three buildings.<ref name="mus">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1719.htm Museums of Plovdiv]</ref> The Regional Ethnographic Museum - Plovdiv was inaugurated in 1917. On [[14 October]] 1943 it was moved to a house in the Old town. In 1949 the Municipal House-museum was reorganized as a People's Ethnographic Museum and in 1962 it was renovated. There are more than 40,000 objects.<ref name="mus">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1719.htm Museums of Plovdiv]</ref> The Museum of Natural Science was inaugurated in 1955in the old edifice of the Plovdiv Municipality built in 1880. It is among the most important museums in the country with rich collections in [[Paleontology]], [[Mineralogy]] and [[Botanic]] sections. There are several rooms for wildlife and it contains Bulgaria's largest freshwater aquarium with 40 fish species.<ref name="mus">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1719.htm Museums of Plovdiv]</ref> It has a collection of [[mineral]]s from the [[Rhodope mountains]]. The Museum of Aviation was established on [[21 September]] 1991 on the territory of the Krumovo airbase<ref>[http://www.infoplovdiv.com/bg/catalog/profile/23/98/104/index.html Infoplovdiv - Museum of Aviation]</ref> 12 km to the south-east of the city. The museum possesses 59 aircraft and both indoor and outdoor exhibitions.<ref name="mus">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1719.htm Museums of Plovdiv]</ref> The Old Town of Plovdiv is a historic preservation site known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style. The Old Town covers the area of the three central hills (Трихълмие, ''Trihalmie'') &mdash;Nebet Tepe, Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe. Almost every house in the Old Town has its characteristic exterior and interior decoration. ===Churches, mosques and temples=== There are a number of 19th century churches, most of which follow the distinctive [[Eastern Orthodox]] construction style. Those are the Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, the Saint Marina, the Saint Nedelya, the Saint Petka and the Holy Mother of God Churches. There are also [[Roman Catholic]] Cathedrals in Plovdiv, the largest of them being St Ludovic. There are several more modern Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant churches, as well as older style [[Armenian Apostolic|Apostolic]] churches. Two [[Mosque| mosques]] remain in Plovdiv from the time of the Ottoman rule. There is also one synagogue. == Culture == ===Theatre and music=== [[Image:Plovdiv house.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A house in the Old town.]] [[Image:Odeon021.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A performance in the Roman Odeon.]] The Plovdiv Drama Theatre<ref>[http://www.dt-plovdiv.org/main.php?lang_id=2 Drama Theatre Plovdiv]</ref> is a successor of the first professional theatre group in Bulgaria founded in 1881. The Plovdiv Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, remains one of the leading institutions in this genre. The Plovdiv Opera was established in 1953. Another post of Plovdiv's culture is the Philharmonic, founded in 1945.<ref>[http://petracho.ofd-plovdiv.org/philharmony.html Philharmonic of Plovdiv]</ref> Soloists such as [[Dmitri Shostakovich]], [[Sviatoslav Richter]], [[Mstislav Rostropovich]], Yuri Boukov and Mincho Minchev have worked with the Plovdiv Philharmonic. The orchestra has toured in almost all of the European countries. The Trakiya Folklore Ensemble, founded in 1974, has performed thousands of concerts in Bulgaria and more than 42 countries.<ref>[http://www.ensembletrakia.hit.bg/ Trakiya Folklore Ensemble (in Bulgarian)]</ref> The Trakiya Traditional Choir was nominated for a [[Grammy Award]]. The [[Detska Kitka Choir]] is one of the oldest and best known youth choirs in Bulgaria, winner of numerous awards from international choral competitions. ===Literature=== Plovdiv is among the nation's primary literary centres - in 1855 Hristo Danov created the first Bulgarian publishing company and later the first printing-press.<ref>[http://www.pero-publishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=27 Hristo Danov]</ref> The city's traditions as a literary centre are preserved by the first public library in Bulgaria, the [[Ivan Vazov National Library]], by the 19 ''[[chitalishta]]'' (cultural centres) and by numerous booksellers and publishers. The library was founded in 1879<ref>[http://www.libplovdiv.com/history.html History of the Ivan Vazov National Library]</ref> and named after the famous Bulgarian writer and poet [[Ivan Vazov]] who worked there for five years creating some of his best works.<ref>With the exception of ''[[Under the Yoke]]'' the other significant works of Ivan Vazov (''Nemili-nedragi'', ''Eppopee of the Forgotten'', ''Uncles'') were written in Plovdiv.</ref> Today the Ivan Vazov National Library is the second largest national library institution with more than 1,5 million books<ref>[http://www.libplovdiv.com/structure.html Structure of the Ivan Vazov National Library]</ref>, owning rare Bulgarian and European publications. ===Arts=== [[Image:Plovdiv Art Gallery P5030085.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The Art Gallery of Plovdiv]] The city has traditions in [[Iconography]] since the Middle Ages. During the Period of National Revival a number of notable icon-painters (called in Bulgarian ''zografi'', ''зографи'') from all regions of the country worked in Plovdiv - [[Dimitar Zograf]] and his son Zafir Zograf, [[Zahari Zograf]], Georgi Danchov and others.<ref name="pat" /> After the Liberation the famous Bulgarian painter of [[Czech]] origin [[Ivan Mrkvička]] came to work in the city. The Painters' society was established there by artists from Southern Bulgaria in 1912 whose members included the prominent painters [[Zlatyu Boyadzhiev]], Sirak Skitnik, Tsanko Lavrenov. Today the city has 30 art galleries. The Art Gallery of Plovdiv was founded in the late 19th century.<ref>[http://art.domino.bg/gallery.php?galID=6 Art Gallery of Plovdiv]</ref> It possesses 5,000 pieces of art in 4 separate buildings. Since 1981 it has a section for [[Mexican]] Art donated by the Mexican painters in honour of the 1,300-year anniversary of the Bulgarian State. ==Economy== {{main|Economy of Plovdiv}} Located in the middle of a rich agricultural region, since the beginning of the 20th century Plovdiv grew as an industrial center. [[Food processing]], tobacco, brewing and [[textiles]] were the main pillars of the industry.<ref>[http://bg.bgp.bg/BGP_articles_191/%d0%9f%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%b2 Plovdiv - BGP]</ref> During the socialism the city's economy greatly expanded and wasdominated by heavy industry - it still produces [[lead]] and [[zinc]], [[machinery]], [[electronics]], [[motor truck]]s, [[Chemical industry|chemicals]] and [[cosmetics]]. After the fall of [[Communism]] in 1989 and the collapse of Bulgaria's [[planned economy]], a number of industrial complexes were closed. Plovdiv has one of the country's fastest growing economies with average [[GDP]] growth of 12-13%. As of 2005 the total revenues are 9.4 billion [[lev]]a (approximately 4.8 billion [[euro]]), which is with 88% more than in 2001. The profits for the same period rose 4.5 times.<ref name="econ">[http://news.plovdiv24.com/31885.html Plovdiv regains its business positions]</ref> The unemployment is 6,5%<ref>[http://plovdiv.mconet.biz/index.php?action=fullnews&id=338825&category=1763&category_name=%E2%84%96%D0%82%E2%84%96%D0%9E%D1%91%20%E2%84%96%D0%98%D1%91 Unemployment in Plovdiv]</ref> which is lower than the national average. One of recent problems are municipality's administrative borders which almost completely coincide with the city limits. Due to the constant increase of investments which are $465,000,000 for 2005 some of the businesses have to be redirected to the Maritsa or Rodopi municipalities such as the industrial zone of [[Radinovo]] village.<ref name="econ">[http://news.plovdiv24.com/31885.html Plovdiv regains its business positions]</ref> Industry has been expanding again since the late 1990s, with manufacturing plants built in the city or in its outskirts, mainly the municipality of Maritsa. In this period, some €500,000,000 has been invested in construction of new factories. Some of the new plants include the [[Liebherr]] refrigerator plant with 1,850 employees and a capacity of 450,000 items per year, the Socotab tobacco processing plant (2,000 employees), a bicycle plant (500 workers, capacity 500,000 units)<ref>[http://big.bg/modules/news03/comment_new.php?com_itemid=13466 Bicycle factory in Tsaratsovo]</ref>, а [[Schneider]] electronics factory<ref>[http://www.schneiderelectric.bg/bgnew/modules/news/article.php?storyid=22 A new Schneider factory to be built in Radinovo near Plovdiv]</ref>, a biodiesel plant, the Bulsaphil textile plant (790 workers), and several electronics and high-tech plants producing CD players and other electronic equipment. The largest electronics plant in the [[Balkans]] was inaugurated in the nearby village of [[Voivodinovo]].<ref>[http://www.ndt1.com/article.php/20040630183531160 The biggest electronic plant to open in Voivodinovo (in Bulgarian)]</ref> Due to the demand for business office space [[Business Park Plovdiv]] is going to be constructed in the district of [[Trakiya district|Trakiya]]. The investment is for €68,000,000 and the park will occupy an area of 110,000 m².<ref>[http://business.actualno.com/news_160479.html The construction of Business Park Plovdiv begins in October 2008]</ref><ref>[http://news.expert.bg/n158657/ Business Park Plovdiv]</ref> A commercial and industrial park is to be built in the village of [[Radinovo]] at several km to the north-west of the city with a built-up area of 50,000 m².<ref>[http://news.expert.bg/n158852/ ИТ парковете - нова концепция за България, ИТ парк Пловдив]</ref> ===Shopping and commerce=== [[Image:P5020017.JPG|thumb|left|A new trade center in the Trakiya District.]] The commercial sector is developing fast. Trade centers have been built mainly in the Central district and the district of Trakiya. Those include Trade Center Grand<ref>[http://plovdiv.imotibg.com/plovdiv/%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8-%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80-enno170932.html Grand Trade Center to open in Plovdiv]</ref>, Market Center<ref>[http://big.bg/modules/news03/article.php?storyid=21452 Пет големи търговски центъра слагат край на сергиите в центъра на Пловдив]</ref> and two more all on the Kapitan Raycho Street<ref>[http://big.bg/modules/news03/article.php?storyid=21452 Пет големи търговски центъра слагат край на сергиите в центъра на Пловдив]</ref>, Forum in Trakiya, Exelsior and others. There are several [[mall]]s under construction - the €40 million Mall of Plovdiv with a shopping area of 40,000 m², 11 cinemas and parking for 700 cars<ref>[http://www.plovdiv24.com/news/21968.html Construction of MALL of PLOVDIV begins]</ref>, €50 mln. Central Mall Markovo tepe<ref>[http://www.comfort.bg/bg/public/news_2425_36.html A Bulgarian-Israeli company to build a mall in Plovdiv]</ref>, a huge €60 mln. mall and hotel complex in the district of Trakiya<ref>[http://www.comfort.bg/bg/public/news_2070_110.html Мол за 60 млн. евро ще строят в пловдивския райoн Тракия]</ref> as well as several other projects planned or under construction. Several hypermarkets have been built mainly on the outskirts of the city: [[Metro AG|Metro]], [[Kaufland]], [[Sani]] (2 outlets), [[Praktiker]], [[Billa(supermarket)|Billa]], [[Mr. Bricolage]], [[Baumax]], Technopolis, Technopark Europa and others. The main shopping area is the central street with its shops, cafés and restaurants. A number of cafés, craftsmen workshops and souvenir shops are situated in the Old town and the small streets in the centre, known among the locals as "The trap" ({{lang-bg|Капана}}). The [[Plovdiv International Fair]], held annually since 1892, is the largest and oldest fair in the country and all of southeastern Europe, gathering companies from all over the world in an exhibition area of 138,000 m² located on a territory of 352,000 m² on the northern banks of the Maristsa river.<ref>[http://www.fair.bg/bg/fair/ Plovdiv International Fair]</ref> It attracts more than 600,000 visitors from different countries.<ref>{{cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher= |location=Sofia |pages=p. 393 |language=Bulgarian/English |isbn=954-91672-I-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> The city also has a duty-free zone since 1987. It has a customs terminal handling cargo from trucks and trains.<ref>{{cite book |last=Balabanov |first=G. |title=This is Bulgaria |publisher= |location=Sofia |pages=p. 393 |language=Bulgarian/English |isbn=954-91672-I-6 |year=2005 }}</ref> == Transport == [[Image:Central Railway Station Plovdiv P5020003.JPG|right|thumb|The Central Railway Station of Plovdiv.]] [[Image:Plovdiv Airport.jpg|right|thumb|Plovdiv airport.]] Plovdiv has a geographical position which makes it an international transport hub. Three of the ten [[Pan-European corridors]] run into or near the city - Corridor IV ([[Dresden]]-[[Bucharest]]-[[Sofia]]-Plovdiv- [[Instanbul]]), Corridor VIII ([[Durrës]]-Sofia-Plovdiv-[[Varna]]/[[Burgas]]) and [[Corridor X]] ([[Salzburg]]-[[Belgrade]]-Plovdiv-Instanbul).<ref name="trans">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1439.htm Transport in Plovdiv]</ref><ref>See the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Paneuropetransport.png map]</ref> A major tourist center, Plovdiv lies at the foot of the [[Rhodope Mountains]], and most people wishing to explore the mountains choose it as their trip's starting point. Plovdiv is a major road and railway hub in southern Bulgaria<ref>{{cite book |last=|first= |title=Пътеводител България |publisher=ТАНГРА ТанНакРа ИК |location=София |pages=p. 143-144 |language=Bulgarian |isbn=954-9942-32-5 |year=2002 }}</ref>: the [[Trakiya motorway]] (A1) is only at 5 km to the north. It lies on the important national route from Sofia to Burgas via Stara Zagora. First-class roads lead to Sofia to the west, [[Karlovo]] to the norths, [[Asenovgrad]] and [[Kardzhali]] to the south, [[Stara Zagora]] and [[Haskovo]] to the east. There are [[intercity bus]]es which link Plovdiv with cities and towns all over the country and many European countries. They are based in three [[bus station]]s: South, Rodopi and North. [[Railways|Railway transportation]] in the city dates back to 1872 when it became a station on the [[Lyubimets]]-[[Belovo]] railway line. There are railways to Sofia, [[Panagyurishte]], Karlovo, [[Peshtera]], Stara Zagora, [[Dimitrovgrad]] and Asenovgrad. There are three [[train station]]s - Central Railway Station, Trakiya and Filipovo as well as a Freight Station.<ref name="trans">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1439.htm Transport in Plovdiv]</ref> Plovdiv has an extensive public transport system<ref>[http://www.snimka.bg/album.php?album_id=47688 A map of the Plovdiv Public transport]</ref>, including around 40 bus and [[trolleybus]] lines.<ref name="trans">[http://www.plovdivsite.hit.bg/index_files/Page1439.htm Transport in Plovdiv]</ref> Six bridges span over the [[Maritsa]] river including a railroad bridge and a [[covered bridge]]. There are important road junctions to the south, south-west and north. [[Plovdiv International Airport]] is located near the village of [[Krumovo]], 12 km southeast of the city. There are plans for its modernisation and expansion. It takes charter flights from several European countries. A number of other, mainly small airports are located in the surroundings of the city including the important military [[airbase]] in [[Graf Ignatievo]] to the north of Plovdiv. == Education == Around two thirds of the citizens (62,38%) have secondary, specialized or higher education. That percentage has increased in the period 1992-2001.<ref name="edu">[http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv Information for Plovdiv - education]</ref> Plovdiv has 78 schools including elementary, high, foreign language, mathematics, technical and art schools. There are also 10 private schools and a [[seminary]]. The number of pupils for 2005 is 36,964 and is constantly decreasing since the mid 1990 due to lower birth-rate.<ref name="edu">[http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv Information for Plovdiv - education]</ref> Among the most prestigious schools are: Plovdiv English Language School, National Schools of Commerce - Plovdiv<ref>[http://www.ntg-plovdiv.net National School of Commerce - Plovdiv]</ref>, Omega College<ref>[http://omegacollege.org Omega College, Plovdiv (Колеж "Омега" Пловдив)]</ref>, English Academy<ref>[http://www.englishacademybg.com English Academy Plovdiv]</ref>, National School for music and dance art Plovdiv<ref>[http://www.numti.info National School for music and dance art Plovdiv]</ref>, French High School of Plovdiv<ref>[http://feg.plovdiv.free.fr French High School of Plovdiv]</ref>. The city has 6 universities and a number of state and private colleges and branches of other universities. Those include the [[Plovdiv University]]<ref>[http://www.uni-plovdiv.bg University of Plovdiv "Paisiy Hilendarski"]</ref> with 900 lecturers and employees and 13,000 students, the Medical University of Plovdiv with 2,600 students<ref>[http://meduniversity-plovdiv.bg/ Medical University]</ref>, the Medical College, Technical University of Sofia - Branch Plovdiv<ref>[http://www.tu-plovdiv.bg Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv branch]</ref>, Agrarian University - Plovdiv<ref>[http://www.au-plovdiv.bg University of Agriculture]</ref>, University of Food Technologies<ref>[http://www.uft-plovdiv.bg/index_ie.htm University of Food Technologies]</ref>, Academy for Music, Dance and Fine Arts<ref>[http://www.artacademyplovdiv.com/home_en.htm Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts]</ref> and others.<ref name="edu">[http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv Information for Plovdiv - education]</ref> ==Sports and recreation== [[Image:Plovdiv Stadium.JPG|thumb|left|Plovdiv Sports Complex in autumn.]] The Plovdiv Sports Complex is the biggest in Eastern Europe. It consists of the [[Plovdiv Stadium]] with several additional football fields, [[tennis court]]s, [[swimming pool]]s, [[Rowing (sport)|rowing base]] with 3km long channel, restaurants, cafés situated in a spacious park in the western part of the city just south of the [[Maritza]] river. There are also playgrounds for the children. It is popular among the citizens of Plovdiv and the guests of the city who use it for jogging, walking and relaxation. The Plovdiv Statium<ref>[http://www.clubs.bul-foot.org/html/stadium/stadium/Plovdiv-Plovdiv.htm Plovdiv Stadium in Stadiums of Bulgaria]</ref> has 55,000 seats which makes it the largest football venue in Bulgaria.<ref>[http://www.worldstadiums.com/europe/countries/bulgaria.shtml World Stadiums]</ref> Other stadiums include [[Hristo Botev Stadium (Plovdiv)|Hristo Botev Stadium]] (22,000 seats)<ref>[http://clubs.bul-foot.org/html/stadium/stadium/HristoBotev-Plovdiv.htm Hristo Botev Stadium in Stadiums of Bulgaria]</ref>, Lokomotiv Stadium (the capacity is 11,000 seats)<ref>[http://clubs.bul-foot.org/html/stadium/stadium/Lokomotiv-Plovdiv.htm Lokomotiv Stadium in Stadiums of Bulgaria]</ref>, Maritsa Stadium (5,000 seats) and Todor Diev Stadium (7,000 seats). There are also six indoor [[sports hall]]s - Lokomotiv, Dunav, Stroitel, Chaika, Akademik, Total Sport. In 2006 a water park was opened near the city centre called Aqualand.<ref>[http://www.plovdivguide.com/newsfiles/news.php?id=2127&lang_id=1 Aqualand]</ref> Several smaller water parks are situated in the city as well. [[Image:City Garden P5030039.JPG|thumb|right|A view from the City garden.]] [[Football (soccer)|Football]] is the most popular sport in the city. Plovdiv has four professional football teams. [[Botev Plovdiv]]<ref>[http://www.pfcbotev1912.com/news.php Official site of Botev Plovdiv]</ref> was founded in 1912, and is named after one of the most ardent Bulgarian poets and revolutionaries, [[Hristo Botev]]. The city also has [[PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv|PFC Lokomotiv]], founded in 1936.<ref>[http://www.lokomotivpd.com/ Official site of Lokomotiv Plovdiv]</ref> Both teams are a regular fixture in the [[Bulgarian A Professional Football Group|top Bulgarian league]]. The rivalry between them is considered to be even more fierce than the one between [[PFC Levski Sofia|Levski]] and [[PFC CSKA Sofia|CSKA]] of [[Sofia]]. There are also two other football clubs in the city &ndash; [[Maritsa Plovdiv|Maritsa FC]] (founded in 1921)<ref>[http://clubs.bul-foot.org/html/b/eastern/Marica(Plovdiv).htm Maritsa Plovdiv]</ref> and [[Spartak Plovdiv]] (1947).<ref>[http://www.spartakpd.info/ Spartak Plovdiv]</ref> Plovdiv is host of the international [[boxing]] tournament "Strandzha" which takes place since 1949.<ref>[http://boxing.mdkbg.com/eng/index.html International boxing tournament Strandzha]</ref> In 2007 ninety-six boxers from 20 countries participated in the tournament. There is a [[horse racing]] club and a horse base near the city. Plovdiv has several [[volleyball]] and [[basketball]] teams. Three of the city's seven hills are protected natural territories since 1995. Two of the first [[park]]s in Bulgaria are located in the city center - ''Tsar Simeon garden'' (also known as the ''City garden'') and ''Dondukov garden''. Some of the larger parks include the ''Botanical garden'', ''Beliz Brezi'', ''Ribnitsa'' and ''Lauta''. ==Notable citizens== [[Image:Straat in Oud Plovdiv 1.jpeg|right|thumb|Old Plovdiv.]] * [[Alphonse de Lamartine]], French writer * [[Anjel Vagenstein]], writer * [[Asen Kisimov]], actor * [[Boris Christoff]], basso * [[Dinko Dermendjiev]], football player * [[Filibeli Hafız Ahmed Pasha]], Ottoman Grand Vizier * [[George Ganchev]], fencer, actor, writer, politician * [[Georgi Slavchev]], Pianist, composer * [[Hristo Danov]], publisher * [[Hristo Stoichkov]], football player * [[Isaac Passy]], Bulgarian philosopher * [[Jean Videnov]], ex-prime minister of [[Bulgaria]] * [[Jordan Jovtchev]], gymnast * [[Maria Petrova (rhythmic gymnast)|Maria Petrova]], three times World Champion in rhythmic gymnastics * [[Milcho Leviev]], musician and composer * [[Milen Dobrev]], weightlifter * [[Nayden Gerov]], linguist, folklorer and writer * [[Nikolay Buhalov]], Olympic canoeing champion * [[Ognyana Petkova]], Olympic canoeing bronze medal * [[Petar Stoyanov]], ex-president of Bulgaria * [[Solomon Passy]], mathematician, activist and politician * [[Stefka Kostadinova]], world record holder in the women's high jump * [[Tanya Gramatikova]], Photographic artist * [[Tzvetana Maneva]], actress * [[Tsvetana Pironkova]], professional tennis player ==Twinning== Plovdiv is [[twin towns|twinned]] with the following cities<ref>[http://www.plovdiv.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=261&Itemid=279 Sister cities]</ref><ref>http://www.namrb.org/filesystem.php?id=12.xls</ref>: {|width=100% |valign=top| * {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Brno]], [[Czech Republic]]. * {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Bursa, Turkey|Bursa]], [[Turkey]]. * {{flagicon|United States}} [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], [[United States]]. * {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Daegu]], [[South Korea]]. * {{flagicon|Armenia}} [[Gyumri]], [[Armenia]]. * {{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} [[Jeddah]], [[Saudi Arabia]]. * {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]]. * {{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Košice]], [[Slovakia]]. * {{flagicon|Republic of Macedonia}} [[Kumanovo]], [[Republic of Macedonia|Macedonia]]. * {{flagicon|Georgia}} [[Kutaisi]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]. * {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Leipzig]], [[Germany]]; since 1975, renewed in 2007. |valign="top"| * {{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Leskovac]], [[Serbia]]. * {{flagicon|China}} [[Luoyang]], [[People's Republic of China|China]]. * {{flagicon|Republic of Macedonia}} [[Ohrid]], Macedonia. * {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Okayama]], [[Japan]]. * {{flagicon|Jordan}} [[Petra]], [[Jordan]]. * {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poznań]], [[Poland]]. * {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Rome]], [[Italy]]; for its seven hills.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} * {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Saint Petersburg]], [[Russia]]. * {{flagicon|Greece}} [[Thessaloniki]], [[Greece]]. * {{flagicon|Venezuela}} [[Valencia, Venezuela|Valencia]], [[Venezuela]]. |} ==See also== * [[List of mayors of Plovdiv]] * [[List of airports in Bulgaria]] ==External links== {{commonscat|Plovdiv}} * [http://www.plovdiv.org/ Plovdiv web Page and virtual tour] * [http://www.plovdivcity.net/ Plovdiv info] * [http://www.pbase.com/ngruev/plovdiv&page=all Pictures from Plovdiv (the old town)] * [http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SC/Plovdiv Guide to Plovdiv District &ndash; cities and villages] * [http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1948/ The Ancient Plovdiv] * [http://www.plovdiv.bg Official web page] * [http://infobulgariaguide.com/plovdiv-tourist-guide Plovdiv city guide] * [http://www.oldplovdiv.com/ Ancient Plovdiv Municipal Institute] * [http://www.plovdivmap.com/Plovdiv1.htm Map of Plovdiv] * [http://www.pd.e-gov.bg/index.php?f=obstini&p=obstini&obst=plovdiv Information for Plovdiv (in Bulgarian)] ==References== {{reflist|2}} {{Cities of Bulgaria}} {{Plovdiv Province}} {{coor title dm|42|9|N|24|45|E|type:city}} [[Category:Plovdiv| ]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Bulgaria]] [[Category:Former capitals of Bulgaria]] [[Category:Plovdiv Province]] [[Category:Ancient Greek cities]] [[ar:بلوفديف]] [[ast:Plovdiv]] [[br:Plovdiv]] [[bg:Пловдив]] [[ca:Plóvdiv]] [[cs:Plovdiv]] [[cy:Plovdiv]] [[de:Plowdiw]] [[et:Plovdiv]] [[el:Φιλιππούπολη]] [[es:Plovdiv]] [[eo:Plovdiv]] [[fr:Plovdiv]] [[hr:Plovdiv]] [[id:Plovdiv]] [[is:Plovdiv]] [[it:Plovdiv]] [[he:פלובדיב]] [[ka:პლოვდივი]] [[la:Philippopolis]] [[lv:Plovdiva]] [[lt:Plovdivas]] [[hu:Plovdiv]] [[mk:Пловдив]] [[mt:Plovdiv]] [[nl:Plovdiv (stad)]] [[ja:プロヴディフ]] [[no:Plovdiv]] [[nn:Plovdiv]] [[pl:Płowdiw]] [[pt:Plovdiv]] [[rmy:Plovdiv]] [[ru:Пловдив]] [[sk:Plovdiv]] [[cu:Фїлїппополь]] [[sr:Пловдив]] [[fi:Plovdiv]] [[sv:Plovdiv]] [[tr:Filibe]] [[uk:Пловдив]] [[vo:Plovdiv]] [[zh:普罗夫迪夫]]