Area: 3,365 sq. km
Population: 165,070
Municipalities – 5: Bolyarovo, Elhovo, Straldzha, Tundzha, Yambol
Regional center: Yambol
Yambol Region is one of 28 region centers in Bulgaria it is situated in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. Yambol city is an administrative centre of a Yambol district. Population of the city is 109,497 people. It is bounded by the regions of Sliven, Burgas, Haskovo and Stara Zagora, and borders Turkey to the south. The landscape is predominantly plain and hilly. The permanent population of the region comes to 165,070 and comprises 2% of the country population. The town residents are 109 514 and the village inhabitants are 58 135 (65, 32% town population and 34, 68% village population). The average population density is 49, 6 people per sq. km. The town and the village system include 110 settlements of which 4 towns and 106 villages. The towns Yambol, Elhovo, Straldja and Bolyarovo function as essential economic, transport and communal centers. The region encompasses the Yambol Plain, the Elhovo Plain, the Bakadzhik Hills, and parts of the Sakar Mountains, the Svetliyskite, the Derventskite and the Manastirskite Heights. Tundzha is the largest river in the region. Malko Sharkovo dam is constructed on the Popovska River. There are mineral springs in the village of Stefan Karadzhovo, near the town of Straldzha and the village of Pravdino.Along the course of the Tundzha River there are well preserved riparian dense forests, called the “ormani”. In the nature reserves of Gorna Topchiya, Dolna Topchiya and Balabana, and in the protected areas of the Ormana and the Swamp (Blatoto) there are many rare animal and herbaceous species. Yambol region has quite developed chemical, food and machine-building industries, at the same time the region is typically agricultural. The clean air and beautiful nature offer excellent possibilities for recreation and health tourism. The valley of the Tundzha River offers good conditions for hunting tourism, and boat sightseeing cruises in picturesque areas amidst the lush vegetation, which is of great importance for the investors in Bulgarian property. The famous red wines of Yambol should not be overlooked. There are more than 270 ancient villages build up with typical Bulgarian properties and approximately 1000 burial mounds in the region; most of them are located along the valley of the Tundzha River and its tributary system. In Yambol Region, within the area of Sakar Mountains, there is the highest concentration of megaliths and dolmens (Neolithic tombs built from large stone blocks). They can still be seen near the villages of Hlyabovo, Sakartsi, Bulgarska Polyana, and in various other locations. The most famous ancient historical site in the region is the Thracian city of Kabille, near the village of Kabille. In the region there are more than 30 fortresses from the Antiquity and the Middle Ages that used to defend the southern frontier. There are also many historical sites reminiscent of the struggle for liberation of the Bulgarian people against the Ottoman rule, and the guerrilla detachments (chetas) of brave voevods (haidouks), who used to traverse the area between the Bakadzhik Hills and the Balkan Mountains. After Bulgaria’s liberation in 1878 Yambol and the region remained in East Rumelia, a vassal county of the Ottoman Empire. Many ancient and traditional ritual and crafts are preserved in the region and can be observed during the numerous folklore holidays, gatherings and singing competitions. The region has another contribution to the world progress - Yambol is the native place of the artist of world popularity George Papazov and John Popov. The computer inventor - John Atanasov has family roots in the district.
History
The earliest data, regarding settlements in the region are from the 7-th century B.C. Some of the artifacts found are exhibited in world famous museums, including the Louvre. There are more than 270 bulgarian property archaeological monuments in the region. Some of the most prominent and distinguished archaeological sites include the following: the Ancient settlement of Cabile, the prehistoric tombs by the village of Drama, the remains of Yambol Medieval castle and the Monastery of the Middle Ages in Voden. The Ancient settlement “Cabile” is a National archaeological reserve and a nature preserved site being the most important Thracian settlement in Bulgaria –it originates from the third century B. C. Cabile was the capital city of the Country of Odrisses, which was headed of Bazilevs (King) Spartok. Over than 30 castles, 70 settlements and 1000 tombshave been revealed in the region. The Roman Emperor Deocletian founded the town of Yambol in 293 year. In the year 705 Yambol regions was included within the boundaries of the Bulgaria. Yambol is famous for its history dating from ancient times. The archaeological findings are related to the year 6000 BC to the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian reign when the castle, called Diospolis, was built with location of the present modern town. The best preserved historical sites, dating back to XV century are the bazar "Bezisten" and the mosque "Esky Djamia" that have been restored and are functioning at present. The district has another contribution to the world progress - Yambol is the native place of the artist of world popularity George Papazov and John Popov. The computer inventor - Joh n Atanasov has family roots in the district.
Geography
Yambol region lies in the south-eastern part of Bulgaria. It covers a territory of 3,365 sq. km which is 3,1 % of the total country area. It is bordered by the Sliven, Bourgas, Haskovo and Stara Zagora region. The southern border follows the state frontier line of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey. There are 5 municipalities within the region: Bolyarovo, Elhovo, Straldja, Tundja and Yambol.
Relief
The Middle parts of Tundja valley spread over the most of the region’s territory: Yambol field 120m above the sea level, Elhovo field 100 m above the sea level, the Bakadjicite, parts of the St. Iliisky, Manastirsky and Dervensky uplands. The hilly plain relief predominates 100 – 150 m. above the sea level.
Climate
The North areas of the Middle parts of Tundja valley are characterized by trans-continental climate, while in the south parts of the region predominate continental Mediterranean climate, which is a major factor attracting the foreign investors in Bulgarian property. Along the Tundja River valley influences the local “White sea” wind. The average annual temperatures are 12 -12,5C, the average January temperatures are 0,6 - 1,2 С, respectively the average July temperatures are 22,6 - 22,8 C. The mild winter and the long vegetation period create favorable conditions for second crops cultivating. This possibility is practically not in use mainly because of the insufficient level of precipitations and the necessity of artificial irrigation. The average annual precipitations are between 530 - 540 l/sq.m.
Social structure
Bulgarians make up 89.86 % of the population; Roma account 6.2 % and Turks 2.68 %. The population has decreases 11.6 % over the last 10 years. The birth rate is about 7 per 1000 people; the mortality rate is about 13 per 1000 people. Regarding education: 5.9 % have a university degree; 36.5 % have graduated from secondary school and 49.3 % have a lower educational degree. 3334 people over the age of 15 are illiterate. The unemployment rate is about 15 %, but higher within the municipality of Straldzha.
Soils
The soil resources within the region are varied. Humus soils take considerable areas of the Middle Tundja lowlands suitable for grain, fodder and industrial crops. Maroon soils are spread along the St. Iliisky, Manastirsky and Dervensky uplands suitable for cultivating fruit plantations, vineyards, and tobacco. Alluvial-meadow soils are spread along the river valleys and are suitable for vegetable, rice and other crops growing.
Ores and minerals
The mineral resources are in limited quantities. Of economic importance is the lignite, excavated along the ledges of Middle Tundja River. The lignite field near Elhovo expands within an area of 60 sq.km. The power of the three coal beds is between 2,65 to 3,85 m, while the deposits reach 600 million tones. Deposits of granite are found near the village of Granitovo. Deposits of gabbro with high decorative quality are also found near the villages of Goliam Manastir and General Toshevo.
Water resources
Water resources within the region are limited. The Tundja River, the fourth of its size within the country is 398 km long flows through the region. Its essential tributaries are Mochuritca, Popovska and Calnica River. They are characterized by snow-rain rate, autumn-winter high water and sharply defined maximum in February. Under the influence of essential spring and summer precipitations the winter high water transfers into secondary spring high water so in the river rate forms an abounding in water phase during the period from November to April, through which flows 80-90% from the annual flow volume. The dam lake Malko Sharkovo is built on the Popovska river near the village of Malko Sharkovo with embankment wall with 55 million cubic meters maximum volume capacity. There are mineral springs near the village of Steffan Karadjovo and Pravdino and the town of Straldja. The curable quality of the mineral water near the village of Steffan Karadjovo is similar to the quality of water at "Karlovi vari"- Czech Republic. This water has hydro carbonate (calcium-magnesium) mineralization.
Forestry
The total forest area is 22 262 ha, of which 73.8% state one, private – 10.1% and municipal – 16.1%. As wood kinds there predominate pine-trees, poplars, acacia, hornbeams, oaks. There are eight shooting lodges built. Here is established Game Shooting holiday-house for promotion game shooting tourism – deers, pheasant, wild pigs, ceclics and etc. The conditions are suitable for promotion of hunting tourism and game shooting of deers, pheasants, wild boars, etc. There are eight shooting lodges built. The perspectives in the forestry development are building a game shooting holiday house.
Environmental conservation
The environmental situation is relatively clean. For environmental protection and the improvement of the ecological condition to meet EU and international standards, it is necessary that by 2006 purifying stations and depot for solid daily waste products to be built. Also, a separated waste collecting facility, first in the big towns and then gradually in the villages throughout the region, will be constructed as well.
Infrastructure
The district has well-developed infrastructure companies, health, social and financial services. The well-developed infrastructure is a main factor increasing the annual return from investment in Bulgarian property. There are two multifunctional 657-bed hospitals within the region. Big infrastructure companies include: Industrial Energetic; Water-supply and Sewerage; Telecommunications - BTC; Over Gas Engineering; Road Ways Control; Electro-distribution company; Bulgarian Post – branch Yambol; Geo Story Engineering; Polisstroy and Infrastroy Engineering (construction) etc. Throughout the region there are Banks, Insurance companies, Taxes and Duty Services; Regional and Local Courts; Police; Financial Control Services; Social Assistance; Employment Service etc.
Gas, water, electricity supply, telecommunications network
The technical infrastructure - namely road network, electricity supply, telephone and irrigation systems, are well developed. The water supplying system is 1792 km long. All populated areas are water supplied. The automatic telephone exchanges working in the region are 64. There is one digital exchange, for town exploitation with total capacity 63028 telephones. All settlements in Yambol region can be automatically dialed.
Logistics-roads, railroads
The road network in Yambol region is 1023,4 km long, 879,9 km of which is an asphalt covering, 98,8 km is broken-stone roar surface and 133,7 km are not paved.
The existing railway system in the region functions well. The projects for future development concern railway transport connecting Elhovo ( where are situated very attracting Bulgarian properties offering high return of the investment) and Odrin/Turkey/.
Economy
The current business information of the institutions and companies in the territory of Yambol district reveals the economic, social, natural and historical capacity of the district in order to attract potential business partners and investors. It gives opportunity to make ourselves noticeable for the world and offer our labor, economic and natural resources in a business partnership. The industry in the Yambol Region relies on a considerable variety of branches. The existing industrial enterprises have preserved good production capacities with all facilities functioning and highly qualified staff employed. The expansion and development of small and medium-size private enterprises and firms (more than 17000) plays a big role in the industrial development of the region, the process of economic acceleration and the prices of the Bulgarian properties. The key target is the reconstruction of the existing industrial potential, drawing national and foreign investments to guarantee a stable production increase, the renovation of the final products in order to raise their competitive ability within the domestic and foreign markets.
Agriculture
There are extremely good opportunities for ecological clean agriculture production within the region. The existing of favorable climate conditions and traditions in the cultivation of perennial and other agricultural plants are prerequisites and the basis for creation of new perennial plants with quality planting materials as well as competitive aspectual and select composition in the vine and fruit growing industry. Half of the fertile land in the region is used for growing grain. Production is between 2500 and 3000 kg/ha. There are about 20000 cows, 54000 pigs, 102000 sheep, 250000 poultry, and more than 16000 beehives. Among the biggest and most prominent companies working in this sector include: Pigs Reproduction – Kalchevo village; KOS (agricultural research and producing); Agricultural Cooperatives Nova Idea; Kargon; Agra 97 etc. Government assistance of the development of industry, agriculture, tourism and other economical branches, of great importance is the expansion, reconstruction and modernization of the regional technical infrastructure.
Industry
The industrial sector of the region includes traditional areas such as: construction; electrical engineering; metal and wood – working industries; tailoring, textile and furrier industries; food and drink production; glass and ceramic industries etc. The Yambol industrial zone has been gas supplied. The leading enterprises are: Hydraulic Elements and Systems; Palfinger – Tenevo; SILA agricultural machinery manufacturer; Papas-Olio (vegetable oil producer); Textile factory Tundja; Yambolen Chemical plant; Vidona (dressings and sauces); EFEB (frozen vegetables); Hegra and Retro-uyut (furniture); Karil&Tanya, Kabile LB and Bulgarian Yogurt (milk, cheese and ice-cream producers); Aliance-Agricole (goose products); wine producers Domein Boyar; Stara Izba1924 and Chateau RUKO; clothing producers Yanitza; Neven; Niya-Style; Yasha; Kara; Cottons Industry; Tonzos etc; shoe producers Sam Bens; STIP; Dama Pika etc; HVK (candy and cookies producer); Bread and Sweets production; Yambol BT (tobacco manufacturer) etc.
Workforce
The number of the working people in the region is 61 700 and the employment coefficient is 33,7%. Those unemployed are 16 500, of whom 8500 men and 8200 women-they comprise 25, 6 of the whole working population
Taxes
Under the Local Taxes and Fees Act, municipal budget revenues are generated by the full amount of all local taxes and fees and the municipal share of shared taxes levied under other legislative acts (Corporate Income Tax Act, Personal Income Tax Act, Excise Duties Act, etc.) The local taxes and fees under the Local Taxes and Fees Act, as well as the fees for municipal are the major sources of revenues to the budget. Local taxes include: property tax; inheritance tax; donation or sale of property tax.
Property tax - levied on buildings, courtyards, lots, built-up agricultural and forest lands, located within the municipality of Vidin and owned by physical or legal entities. (Note: Agricultar lands and forests are tax exempt). The tax is calculated on the tax valuation of the property, calculated by the tax authorities under Appendix 1 of the local Taxes and Fees Act (for citizens), or on the book value of fixed assets under the Accounting Act (for companies). The tax is payable at four equal payments until March 31, June 30, September 30 and November 30, respectively, in the year when its due. 5% discount is available to everyone who pays the whole annual amount by March 31.
Inheritance tax - levied on property inherited by law or by will, in amounts defined in a scale (table) under Art. 36 of the Local Taxes and Fees Act. Levied on cash, property, securities and other inherited items and/or rights.
Donation or sale of property tax - levied on property acquired by donation, as well as on real estate, limited real rights on real estate and purchased motor vehicles.
The tax is calculated as follows: for Bulgarian property and limited real rights on such - on the market value of the real estate or the tax valuation, whichever is higher; for donations - on the valuation of the donated Bulgarian property, in an amount defined under Art. 47 of the Local Taxes and Fees Act; for sales - 2% of the valuation of the property, calculated under Art. 46 /2/ of the Local Taxes and Fees Act; for swaps - 2% of the Bulgarian property that has higher valuation; for partition - on the surplus. Prior to the transfer of title, the tax is payable at the offices in the location where the Bulgarian property is; in all other cases, the tax is due at the place of residence of the payee.
Motor vehicles tax Levied on the owners of motor vehicles, in an amount based on engine power under Art. 55, 56 and 57 of the Local Taxes and Fees Act. The tax is payable in two equal payments, by March 31 and September 30, respectively, of the year when its due. 5% discount is made to those who pay the full annual amount by March 31.
Local taxes are collected by the Territorial Tax Directorate, Vidin (2, Bdintsi Sq.), within the timaframes and under the procedures stipulated by the Local Taxes and Fees Act, and are credited to Vidin’s municipal budget. All private contracts, with or without notary certification, must be submitted for registration to the Municipality within one month of the date the contract was closed.
Educational and cultural structure
There are 70 schools and colleges with more than 20000 students. Nationally famous are the Mathematical High School, the Language School, the Technical Colleges, and IT school. There is the Art Gallery; Historical Museum; Ethnographic Museum; Chamber Orchestra; Drama Theatre; Library; Youth House; more than 30 Community centers with libraries and cultural clubs (Chitalishte). The musicians, painters and artists from Yambol are famous throughout the whole Europe. The Yambol Basketball club YambolGas was the national champion in 2002.
Macroeconomic statistics
The number of the working firms in the region is about 17000. 76.4% of them are Personally Dealers; 4.8 % are Ltd Companies, 3.2 % Shareholder Companies, 10.1% are self-insured people and 97.9% are private. Within the sectors: 81.3% work in Service sector; 11.4% - in the industrial sector and 7.3% - in agricultural sector.
The total income in the region (not including the financial sector) in 2004 was about 290 Million Euro. The expenditures were about 472 Million Euro. Net proceeds from sales were about 472 Million Euro. More than 60 % of net proceeds from sales came from trading with Bulgarian properties and services sectors.
Up to the end of 2004, the region’s tangible assets costs were about 132 Million Euro. The direct foreign investment were 4,32 Million USD. The new investments in the 2005 and 2006 in machinery and textile industries are more than 40 Million Euro.
International relations
The district authorities keep contacts constantly with ambassadors and specialists from Germany, Ukraine, Turkey, Great Britain, Greece for discussing subjects of a mutual interest, including also possibilities for improvement of the relations between administrative structures, businesses and the citizens within these countries. Through the activities of the Yambol Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Industrial Association sustained initiatives for commercial and business relationships with other countries have been built. The municipalities within the Yambol region fulfill relations and partnership in economic, administrative, ecological and infrastructure subjects in conjunction with the municipalities and specialists from France, Turkey, Spain, USA. Some enterprises from the Yambol region trade successfully with Turkey, Greece, Norway, Italy, Macedonia, France, Sweden but so far foreign trade is relatevely limited.
International cooperation
It is constructed a new border crossing station at the village of Lessovo, Yambol region, on the Bulgarian – Turkey border. The regional administration works for trans-border cooperation with the Turkish administration, NGOs and businesses, cultural and other institutions. Several enterprises in the Yambol region have been established with the collaboration and assistance of foreign capitals and funds – from Norway, Greece, Turkey, Italy and France. The cross border cooperation with the Republic of Turkey is being developed. During the years 2006 – 2007 we will work on infrastructure projects, funded by the PHARE Program of the European Union: roads, purifying stations, borderline stations, telecommunications, etc. Will be stimulated the development, the contacts and relations in the spheres of tourism, education, culture, environment and the cooperation and collaboration between the local authorities, the NGOs and enterprises between both our countries. For this purpose the Yambol region and Tekirdag and Edirne regions of Turkey signed contracts for such cooperation.
Associations, memberships, twin-cities and partnerships
Yambol Municipality is twinned with Villejuif city, France, the cooperation being in the field of education and culture and having 30 years of history by now. Other twin cities of Yambol are Berdiansk, Ukraine and Izhevsk, Russia. With the Polish Cheradz the connections go back to 1980. Yambol has a memorandum for cooperation with the Romanian city Targu Zhiu where the two municipalities stake on cultural and business exchange. Twinning with several municipalities from neighboring Turkey is forthcoming.
Tourism and culture
The varied scenery, proven ecological factors, peace and quiet of the Bulgarian village are sufficient prerequisites for active holidays and relaxation in an unusual environment. All four seasons are suitable for rural tourism. Each season has own fascination and holds unexpected surprises for todays urbanized man. Today, Yambol District is a complex mix of elements from all periods of its development. The antique Roman, mediaeval Bulgarian, Turkish, post-Liberation and new period of Yambol development have all left their mark on the Bulgarian properties, monuments and on the look of the region as a whole. The integrated tourism product includes: the abundant cultural history, the unique archaeological objects and the cultural traditions and events within the region. The Historical Museum in Yambol keeps unique exponents from the ancient history of the region. In Yambol are being organized and take place various cultural events: National Exhibitions of Decorative Arts, Experimental Photography Exhibition STILB, Bulgarian property expo, National Festival of the Puppet Theatres, the Golden Diana Musical Days and many others. They will become a part of an integrated cultural tourist product. The Elhovo Ethnographic Museum has a national importance with its great variety of national costumes and jewelleries. The towns and villages in Yambol region had saved their folk traditions during the centuries and they are being displayed at numerous holidays, festivals and concerts: Marasha Pee (Marasha Sings) – in Straldja, Rodilo Se, Prerodilo (Born, Born Anew) – in Yambol, Vurbova Svirka Sviri (A Willow Whistle Whistles) in Bolyarovo; the Festivities of Amateur Art Bakadjik; Christmas customs, famous Mummers’ festivities and many others. Many craftsmen works, made by local skilful masters, preserve the folk traditions and forms. One of the various offers also includes tasting of famous Yambol wines and grape brandies in authentic wine-cellars in the region. The existing opportunities for recreational and curative tourism can also be of an interest to tourists as offered in the rest Bulgarian property and the complexes at the mount of Bakadjik, where the air is curable as for pulmonary and lung diseases. There are unique plants and birds in the reserves of Balabana, Gorna and Dolna Topchiya, located around the town of Elhovo. Along the river valley of Tundja there are sites proper for hunt and ecological tourism, which gives good rental income from the Bulgarian properties in the region. Nationally presented sports are basketball, acrobatics, and boxing, wrestling and shooting. These attractive for many tourist events and sites are included in a tourist product.
Along the course of the Tundzha River there are well preserved riparian dense forests, called the “ormani”. In the nature reserves of Gorna Topchiya, Dolna Topchiya and Balabana, and in the protected areas of the Ormana and the Swamp (Blatoto) there are many rare animal and herbaceous species. The clean air and beautiful nature offer excellent possibilities for recreation and health tourism. The valley of the Tundzha River offers good conditions for hunting tourism, and boat sightseeing cruises in picturesque areas amidst the lush vegetation. The famous red wines of Yambol should not be overlooked. There are more than 270 ancient villages and approximately 1000 burial mounds in the region; most of them are located along the valley of the Tundzha River and its tributary system. In Yambol Region, within the area of Sakar Mountains, there is the highest concentration of megaliths and dolmens (Neolithic tombs built from large stone blocks). They can still be seen near the villages of Hlyabovo, Sakartsi, Bulgarska Polyana, and in various other locations. The most famous ancient historical site in the region is the Thracian city of Kabille, near the village of Kabille. In the region there are more than 30 fortresses from the Antiquity and the Middle Ages that used to defend the southern frontier.
Places of interest
Kabyle
The Antique settlement "Kabile" is a National archaeological reserve and a nature preserved site, being the most important Thracian settlement in Bulgaria. The ancient town of Kabyle, a centre of Thracian, Hellenic, Roman and medieval life and culture is an invaluable site with centuries-old history and treasures with universal importance, a symbol of the intransient and the eternal. Kabyle is one of the most ancient Thracian settlements in our lands. Residential life here originates around an ancient cult centre – the Sanctuary, which is also an ancient solar observatory. At the beginning of ІІІ century B.C. Kabyle is the capital of the Odris country, lead by Spartok, who first among the Thracian governors is given the title of "bazileus" - king. During the III – II century B.C. the town mints its own bronze and silver coins with the effigy of the cult statue of Artemis Phosphoros, a defender of the town. The Roman troops conquer the town in 72 B.C. During the year 45 A.D. Kabyle becomes a part of the Roman province of Thrace and at the beginning of the second century, turns into one of the most important military camps, defending the area from the Black Sea to Thrimonzium and Adrianopolis. It is demolished by the Goths at the end of the third century. After inauguration of the Christianity as the official religion, Kabyle becomes an important early Christian religious centre. By the end of the fourth century the town slowly declines. The vast archaeological excavations implemented at its area uncover a big part of the town with valuable finds. There is not any other Bulgarian town of the kind where the different layers could reveal such a prolonged historical period. The excavations in Kabyle are subjects of discussions as being implemented since 1982 “Settlement’s Life in Thrace” national and international symposia. An archaeological base with studies, laboratories and studios for carrying out restoration and research work has been constructed near the park. Since 1986 within the park has been functioning an archaeological Museum, in which most interesting from various excavations finds at an area of 960 square meters have been exhibited.
In modern study of Ancient Thrace it has already been proved that Kabile was the most prominent political, economic and religious centre from the first millennium BC. The archaeological investigations of the ancient city that have taken place in the last thirty years have revealed a great number of artefacts (stone inscriptions, coins, ceramic ware and remains of building activities) dating from times over a millennium long history. Most of the discovered artefacts have already been published and used as a data for archaeological and historical studies.
Historical Museum
The Historical Museum in Yambol keeps unique exponents from the ancient history of the region. The Art Gallery, named after the world famous Yambol painter George Papazov, possesses works of the most prominent Bulgarian artists and more than 600 unique icons from the past.
George Papazov Art Gallery
The “George Papazov” Art Gallery, housed in an interesting antique building it is one of the richest galleries in the country. It possesses more than 3 000 works of dozens of outstanding Bulgarian and foreign painters.
St. George church
The “St. George” church (45, “St. Georgi” str.) dates back to 1737 and it was the center of cultural and religious life. A monastery school was opened in 1805, and in 1857 a class school where Dobri Chintolov was a teacher in the period between 1857 and 1862.
Esky Djamia
The best preserved historical sites, dating back to XV century are the bazar "Bezisten" and the mosque "Esky Djamia" that have been restored and are functioning at present.
Tundja River
The Tundja River, the fourth of its size with an earth embankment, flows through the region. Its most essential tributaries are the Motchuritza River, the Popovska and Calnitza Rivers.
St.St.Spas and Alexander Nevski temple
St.St.Spas and Alexander Nevski temple on the peak of Bakadjik, 14 km. south – east of Yambol. Its construction was suggested by General Skobelev, and realized with the help of the voluntary donations from Bulgaria and Russia.
Bezisten of Yambol
The Bezisten of Yambol (Osvobozhdenie Sq.) is one of the most interesting and well preserved architectural monuments in Bulgaria from the second half of 15th century. It is a covered market. In 1970-1973 it was restored and reorganised as a souvenir palace.
District municipalities
Yambol
Yambol city is the administrative center of Yambol Municipality. It is located in the southeast part of Bulgaria, in Toundzha-Strandzha Lowland. The city has been built on both banks of Toundzha River, which is the fourth biggest river in the country. Yambol Municipality has a unique structure - it is a city- municipality, which borders on the towns and villages of Toundzha Municipality on all sides. There are a seaport and airport 92 km away from Yambol (in Bourgas city). Varna seaport and airport are 189 km away from Yambol. The river port at Rousse is located 185 km north from Yambol. Lesovo - Hamzabeyli border control point with Turkey, which is located 60 km away from the city, is being built. After its opening this will be shortest way between Near East and Western Europe. The automobile and railroad transport is well developed and Trakia highway will be passing 5 km to north from Yambol. The structure of the transport connections favors the establishment and development of international business contacts. Yambol Municipality is served by three types of public transport: railroad, bus and taxis. The industrial zone and a large part of the city have been converted to natural gas, and the public administrative sector is almost fully converted to natural gas. The city has a central heating company with large capacity. 34 km electric power lines and 158 km cable net have been built in Yambol city. The Municipality water supply system is 283 km long. The telecommunication infrastructure is in excellent condition. There is 110 km primary and about 300 km secondary cable net laid in Yambol. More than 7,000 subscriber telephones are digital and the existing analogue Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC) ones are being transformed into digital, too. All the territory of the city is covered by the three cell phone operators. Possibilities exist for new communication technologies - IP telephony. Yambol is the main center for providing Internet services for Yambol region. There is equipment for high speed Internet in the city and a large number of computer software and hardware companies operate there.
Production of food, beverages and tobacco products is a traditionally leading branch in Yambol Municipality industry and most of the entities operate in that branch. Papas - Olio AD - Bulgarian - Greek joint-stock company - is not only regional but also national leader in the production of refined butter, cooking oil and other oil products and it has branches in several regions of the country. Fruits and vegetables processing is especially important for the industry in the Municipality. Karil i Tania OOD with Bulgarian - Italian participation is one of the biggest ice-cream factories on the Balkan Peninsula. The share of milk and dairy products rises. There is a potential for developing the food and chemical industries and machine building in Yambol Municipality. Fifty companies work in Production of Textile and Textile Articles branch and Clothing Manufacturing in Yambol Municipality. Seven companies for shoes manufacturing operate in Yambol Municipality. Stara Izba 1924 AD, Chateau Ruco AD and Vinprom Yambol companies have solid positions in wine and liquor production. There is a high increase of the investments in Production of Rubber and Plastic Articles branch. The production of pumps and compressors, hydraulic cylinders - single-acting and double-acting piston ones, ram cylinders, as well as telescopic articles and systems is well developed. Hunting and Forestry branch, where a very big part of the gross added value in the region has been generated, is of crucial importance for the region. This branch has exceptional strategic importance because it secures raw materials for the most important and mainstay industry branch - Food, Beverages and Tobacco Production. Yambol industrial zone is mainly urbanized territory with well developed transport, infrastructure and communications and availability of a lot of qualified workers. The geographic position of the city is favorable for the development of the business, one of the main advantages for the development of the companies being the fully gasified industrial zone, which provides alternatives for the selection of an energy source. More than ten municipal plots are available for purchasing in Yambol industrial zone. Most of them have area of more than 10 000 sq. m. The plots are detached in regulated land properties, have municipal property certificates and are suitable for building of production plants. The industrial zone offers all kinds of community and public utility services.
There are two protected natural areas within the municipal boundaries: Ormana countryside, which is located 2 km away from Yambol, where Loddon Lily and meadow-saffron fields can be found; Forestry Park on Borovets Hill in the city. With its diverse, unique and beautiful nature Yambol Region offers great opportunities for tourism – amateur, ecological, rural in typical Bulgarian property and hunting. The History Museum in Yambol has a complex display that follows the history of the city and region from the Neolith till nowadays. The Drama unique exhibit with fragments of Mycenaean ceramics and clay seal with the so-called linear writing B can be seen in the museum. In Yambol Municipality one can see: a Roman Bath, Yambol Medieval Fortress, the single preserved covered market Bezisten from XV C., Eski Mosque Ottoman temple, one of the biggest art galleries with more than 3,500 pictures and sculptures, and in St George Church there is a unique wooden iconostasis mastered by Debar school icon-painters. The earliest relics from settlement life have been discovered in the tenths of prehistoric settlement mounds. Even in the contemporary Yambol city there are relics from the so-called Rashev and Marchev hills, which date back to the neolith, eolith and bronze ages. Some of the findings discovered there are kept now in the Louvre in Paris and in the Museum of Archeology in Sofia. Most of those valuable exhibits are in possession of the History Museum in Yambol. In the prehistoric hill next to Drama Village (30 km away from Yambol) fragments of Mycenaean ceramics and clay seal with the so-called linear writing B have been found. An ancient settlement existed within the boundaries of the contemporary city. It is presumed that in 293 Emperor Diocletian named the city Diospolis (the city of Zeus). Part of the impressive fortress walls and towers of mediaeval Yambol have been preserved till nowadays. Two architectural monuments from XV century - the Bezisten, which is the only one well preserved covered market in Bulgaria and Eski Mosque Ottoman temple have been preserved, too. St George and St Trinity churches are well preserved. St Alexander Nevski church - the first monument of the Bulgarian-Russian friendship in Bulgaria was built on Bakadjik Peak. In the first half of XX century Yambol was famous for its mineral water and mineral bath, for the unique rail tram pulled by horses, the famous pheasant farm, the huge Zeppelin shed of 1917 and others.
Elhovo
Elhovo Municipality has outgoing transport connections through four entrance-and-exit points, namely: northern point through Elhovo towards Yambol city and the interior of Bulgaria, eastern point - through Dobrich village towards Bolyarovo, Sredets and Bourgas, western point - through Elhovo towards Topolovgrad and Harmanli, and through Malak Manastir village towards Skalitsa and Stara Zagora. The roads structure ensures good connections between the administrative center and the villages. The constructed road network on the territory of Elhovo Municipality is of total length 196.8 km. The administrative center of the Municipality is at a distance of 110 km from Bourgas international airport, and 100 km from the largest Bulgarian sea-port of Bourgas. The telecommunications system in the Municipality is being upgraded and digitalized. There is coverage by two cell phone operators.
Elhovo Business Center is a not-for-profit organization for public good established under the project titled Employment through Support to Business. It delivers the following services: financial leasing for purchase of equipment, trainings and workshops, office services, information - technical services, etc. It also works under the JOBS Project component titled Support to the Producers of Herbs and Alternative Agricultural Products. Yanitsa AD is a factory with over 25 years of tradition in fashion design and production of linear knitwear items (ladies' and men's sweaters, etc.). Elprom Elhovo AD is one of the largest producers in Bulgaria of electric equipment for cars, production of components and spares parts for electric systems of cars - breakers for starters, ignition coils, electronic relay regulators for cars, and also electric devices for industrial trucks and farming machines; distribution plugs and jaws. Elhovo Municipality has 378.07 sq. km of arable land (green fields, perennial crops and nurseries) and about 129.6 sq. km of forests fund. Grains are the most common in plant growing in terms of occupied area. Perennial crops, namely vineyards, are grown on much smaller areas. Tobacco is also grown. Three hunting zones and a pheasant farm have been set up in the Municipality, the latter being managed by the State Game Breeding Unit of Yambol. International hunting tourism is developed in these zones, and the game hunted for is red deer, wild boar, pheasant, roe. Elhovo Municipality is an external border of the Republic of Bulgaria. A border control point Lessovo - Hazambeyli is going to be opened. A first-class road 1-7 Elhovo - Lessovo has been built together with its auxiliary infrastructure, communications and power supply and connections. A large number of projects have been implemented under government and pre-accession programs. A major objective of the trans-border cooperation is to make the Municipality a transport center of national importance. The project titled Together in Europe - Development of Trans-border Cooperation between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey for Creating Conditions for Establishing a Euro-region of the Two Countries has been successfully completed. Opportunities are sought for setting up a duty free zone, joint industrial zones and technology parks on the territory of Yambol District and Odrin District with the active involvement of the municipalities on both sides of the border. Donors are being sought for the following projects: Construction of a Tourist Visitors' Center and Creating Eco-paths in Elhovo Municipality, Construction of a multi-functional sports hall, etc. The region has a very good potential for investment in Bulgarian property.
Elhovo Municipality falls in the group of the slightly polluted air basins of Bulgaria. The Municipality has well preserved rich cultural historical heritage, maintained folklore traditions and customs. The Ethnographic Museum in Elhovo town has a display room of 130 sq. m area. Every year it welcomes over 16,000 visitors. The museum has participated with some of its exhibits in exhibitions in Bulgaria, Budapest, Vienna, Bucharest, and Montreal. Since mid 2003 the Ethnographic Museum of Elhovo town has been included under No. 100 in the list of the National Movement called Get to Know Bulgaria - 100 National Tourist Sites. Historical places exist on the territory of Elhovo Municipality - remains of antique and medieval fortresses, such as those in the land of Lessovo village, the Kaleto locality in Granitovo village, Kyostko Kale locality in Razdel village, Gradishteto locality in Melnitsa village, Krasta locality in Malak Manastir village, the Thracian rock sanctuary in the land of Melnitsa village, dolmens near Golyam Dervent village. Remains from prehistoric settlement mounds exist near the villages of Kirilovo - the Minchogyopreva Mogila, Boyanovo - the Raykov Sumay, Lessovo - Dyadopanyova Vodenitsa, Granitovo - Azmatsite, and Elhovo town - Tourskoto Kyoshe. The Derventski elevations are to the east of the Toundzha River valley and are linked to Strandzha Mountain. They are suitable for short picnics and hikes. The Elprom Elhovo Company’s recreation home is in Gyol Bounar locality, Golyam Dervent village; the recreation homes of Yanitsa Company and Elhovo Municipality are in Sladkoto Kladenche locality, Razdel village. Dranchi Doupka is a locality in the northern foot of the Derventski elevations in the land of Melnitsa village. It is a karst terrain with several springs, a vertical cave with an underground river and a horizontal cave. A small church has been restored in this locality and is in operation now. The Manastircheto locality in Stroyno village is a large clearing with more than 20 centuries-old trees, a spring with drinking water, a small church-sanctuary that has been restored and renovated. It is a site for summer recreation. The Lessovski gorge of the Toundzha River is between Sakar Planina Mountain and the Derventski Elevations. The shoots along the riverbed and the fast-running water of the Toundzha in the Darkaya locality are an attractive place for water rafting competitions and water slalom. Above Elhovo town along the right bank of the Toundzha in dense forests are the Balabana reserve and the Dolna Topchia reserve, which are the natural nesting place of the ring-necked pheasant, which is a rare species in Europe. The mammals found in these reserves are fox, jackal, hare, wild boar, Falow-deer. The world protected Imperial eagles are 16 pairs in Bulgaria and one of them makes their nest in the centuries-old trees in Borissovo village. The Rodni Prostori tourist company organizes hikes picnics, holidays, tourist orientation competitions, cycling races, as well as excursion trips in Bulgaria and abroad. The company has 25-seat van, tents and auxiliary equipment for 40 tourists, 12 boats for water slalom.
Straldzha
Straldzha Municipality is situated in the southeastern part of Bulgaria and falls within Yambol District. Its northernmost parts touch the foot of the Balkan Range, and its southernmost parts reach the slopes of the Bakadzhitsi Mountain and the northwestern spurs of Strandzha Mountain. It borders on Kotel municipality to the north, Karnobat municipality and Sredets municipality to the east, Bolyarovo municipality and Elhovo municipality to the south, and Toundzha municipality and Sliven municipality to the west. Eleven telephone exchanges of total capacity 5,500 subscribers operate and provide services to all of the population centers in the Municipality.
Out of the total area of the municipality farming land occupies 542,473,000 sq. m. The irrigated areas are about 80,000,000 sq. m. Straldzha Municipality has slightly developed processing industry. The prevailing sectors are: Production of building materials - There are favorable prerequisites for this type of production because the region abounds in non-metal mineral resources, such as clay, limestone, cyclopean stone blocks and others, which are the raw materials for this sector. The following companies operate in the ceramics sector: Straldzha-Keramika AD - this enterprise was built in 1984 and was equipped with Italian machinery. Its main production is roof tiles, and there is a workshop for production of bricks and covers. The annual production capacity is 12 million of roof tiles. The raw materials used are of local origin; 50 % of the clay is quarried from Atolovo village quarry called Blatoto (the swamp) and 50 % - from the Konak Karla locality in the Balkan Range. The lime production activity in Kamenets village is of substantial importance to the construction sector. Lime is widely used in the sugar, leather and chemical industry. There are also quarries for cyclopean blocks. In the recent years some faster development in metal working has been observed. Plant for Profiled Pipes AD, Straldzha town is specialized in the production of thin-walled pipes and electric-welded closed profiles. Modern equipment and state-of-the-art technologies ensure complete production process cycle on the site - from cutting out the rolls of metal to production of the zinc-plated pipelines and a wide range of shaped pipes of varying cross-sectional area. Attempts are being made for development of the furniture industry in order to satisfy the increasing demand of furniture both on the domestic and foreign market. A major company in this sector is ARS Mebel AD (a former military production plant), which produces household furniture and furniture for hotels - beds, wardrobes, cupboards, etc. The area has great potential for investment in Bulgarian property.
The Municipality has eleven churches, which have been declared monuments of culture of local importance. A large number of houses in the villages of Kamenets, Lozenets, Malenovo, Palaouzovo, Saransko, Bogorovo, Vodenichane and Irechekovo have been declared monuments of architecture. There is a museum exhibition consisting of ethnography exhibits. It is shown in Vazrazhdane library in Zimnitsa village.
Toundzha
Toundzha Municipality is located in the southeastern part of the Thracian Valley. It occupies a huge area, which makes it one of the biggest Municipalities in the country. It borders on the municipalities of Straldzha, Sliven, Nova Zagora, Topolovgrad, Elhovo and Boliarovo. The Municipality includes 44 villages spread around the municipal and regional center Yambol, which is the administrative center of Toundzha Municipality. Their maximum distance from Yambol is 45 km. The smallest village is Vidintsi - 32 residents. The total length of the municipal road network is 426.4 km, 228.1 km of which are first-, second- and third-class national road network, 158.3 km comprise fourth-class network and 40 km are local roads. After opening Lessovo border control point a connection will be established among Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania along first class road1-7. In the future road 1-7 will connect the Municipality with Trakia highway, too. The transport infrastructure is complemented by 36.6 km of railroad network. Daily bus transport to each town and village is secured. The communication network is developed through 28 automatic exchanges and the population is served by 11,000 telephone posts. A network of 31 post and telegraph offices is developed in the Municipality. Cell phone operators cover 98% of the territory. There is one Internet supplier - the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC). The towns and villages are 100% supplied with water, and sewerage networks are partially built. The electricity supply of the Municipality is secured by 220 and 110 kV power lines, 20 kV overhead lines and 1185.1 km low voltage lines, and 142 kiosk switchgears.
The agriculture is the main branch in the Municipality. Plant-growing and stock-breeding are the main occupations of a large part of the population. The favorable nature: fertile humus, humus-resin type and alluvial soils along the Toundzha River valley, as well as the relatively mild climate are suitable for growing various grain and bean crops, vegetables, industrial and essential oils crops, fruit orchards and vineyards; the above-mentioned factors are conducive to agriculture development. Cattle- and sheep-breeding, both for milk and meat yielding, goat, pig-rabbit-breeding, poultry farming and bee-keeping are developed. The analysis of the agricultural crops growing shows that the grain crops have the biggest share in plant-growing - 54%, followed by industrial crops - 15%, and essential oils crops - 10%. 101,007 properties of 39,185 owners with average area of 9,400 sq. m. per property have been established as a result of enforcing the Ownership and Use of Farming Land Act and with the preparation of land division plans. Agricultural land regrouping pilot project has been started. The project is financed by the Netherlands and the Bulgarian Government. The Botevo village agricultural land, which is divided into 4,277 estates, has been targeted by the project. After the regrouping the estates will become 2,700. The municipal land fund comprises of 22,338,000 sq. m. total, 6,706,000 sq. m. of which is arable land. The rest of the land has been rented or leased to farmers. The forest cover 111,450,000 sq. m. and consists mainly of oak, poplar, maple, ash-trees, sycamore, Austrian pine, hornbeam and willow. Considering its size and economic importance, stock-breeding is rated second in the Municipality's agriculture. 227 larger farms are registered in the Municipality, including agricultural co-operatives, lessees, tenants and owners. Edinstvo Co-operative in Botevo village is the biggest contributor: it tills 22,206,000 sq. m of agricultural land. Toundzha Municipality is one of the leading municipalities in freshwater fish breeding in the country. Out of 99 municipal dam lakes and reservoirs 19 have been granted under concession and 25 - rented, their total area being 22,206,000 sq. m... Mainly carp and bighead carp are bred. 347 private companies and co-operatives use the agricultural output to produce bread, confectionary, flour and fodder, feta and yellow cheese, meat and meat products, wine, liquor and soft drinks. The production satisfies fully the needs of the population in the Municipality. A big part of that production is sold in Yambol city and in Bulgaria. Mainly goose liver, wine and fish are exported. Aliance Agricol - ALAG OOD geese farm with slaughter-house, Chateau Ruco Wine-Cellar, a branch of Gradus-1 OOD poultry-raising farm, Bulgarian Yogurt dairy farm, Palfinger Produktionstechnik Bulgaria EOOD are of special importance for the development of the Municipality. Aliance Agricol - ALAG OOD in Okop village is a Bulgarian-French company specialized in the production of liver and meat from fattened ducks and geese. The production of the company is organized in more than 80 bases with capacity for breeding between 1,500 and 4,000 ducklings and geese each. Their own poultry farm in Okop is licensed for export to the European Union countries. Its daily production capacity is 4,000 ducks and 2,000 geese. Milanov Popov OOD roll mill in Kalchevo village can process up to 50 tons of wheat into flour and bran per 24 hours. It has licensed grain-store with capacity of up to 12,000 tons of grain equipped with a system for permanent temperature control and active ventilation. The Austrian machine manufacturing company Palfinger Produktionstechnik Bulgaria EOOD, specialized in the production of hydraulic cylinders, operates successfully in Toundzha Municipality. All the production of the company is exported. Bulgarian Yogurt dairy farm is located in Veselinovo village region. It produces yogurt, yellow cheese, feta, mozzarella, curd and others. All products are made from organic milk using high quality technologies. The company is licensed for export to the European Union countries. Chateau Ruco Wine-Cellar joint-stock company, Hadzhi Dimitrovo village has been established. The company owns and grows 1,900,000 sq. m. of vineyards of Merlot, Cabernet and Muscat Ottonel varieties. 3,000 tons of grapes are processed annually. High quality wines are exported to England, France and Russia. The Bulgarian-German company AGROBUL OOD is building on the Mogila village territory an Agrarian Center for buying up, sorting out, packaging and export of vegetables and fruits to the European Union countries. The investment in Bulgarian property in the region offers a good annual return.
The prehistoric settlement near Drama village, the ancient town of Kabile, Alexander Nevski temple-monument in Bakadjik countryside, Erkesiata border trench are valuable evidences about the rich ancient history of the Municipality. The Drama prehistoric settlement mound named after the village is located 40 km to the southwest of Yambol in Merdjumekia countryside on the right bank of the Azmak River. The excavations of the mound and its micro region provide the opportunity of tracing completely the historical development from the IV millennium B.C. till the end of the Roman times. Kabile National Archeological Reserve is located 8 km to the northwest of Yambol. Kabile - one of the biggest and among the most important towns in Ancient Thrace originated in the 4 century B.C. and existed till the Middle Ages. A sanctuary and parts of fortress walls with a gate from the Hellenic epoch (4 - 2 century B.C.); fortified military camp with the adjacent public buildings and barracks from Roman times (III - IV century A.D.); Roman bath with hypocaust, two early-Christian basilicas with multi-colored floor mosaics and other architectural relics from the ancient city have been discovered and exhibited. Permanent display of articles discovered during the archeological researches has been established in the museum at the Kabile National Archeological Reserve. Gorna Topchia reserve located in the Konevets village territory is one of the famous natural sights in the area. There are natural dense forests and ring-necked pheasants there. Debelata Koria nearby Tenevo village - dense ash-tree forest and Tetralouka on the Simeonovo village territory, where the only natural field of the endemic type Tulipa splendens tulip can be found in Bulgaria, are protected areas. Bakadzhik forest park, which is a part of Bakadzhitsite mountain chain, has quite favorable climate and curative air because of the Aegean Sea currents. The park spreads 15 km to the southeast of Yambol and its altitude is 515 m above sea level. The home-land of the American scientist and genius of Bulgarian origin, the inventor of the computer John Atanassov, lies on the territory of the Municipality. His family originates from Boiadzhik village. The village has been included in the tourist routes. The favorable climatic conditions and unique nature, Toundzha River, the smaller rivers and reservoirs, Bakadzhika forest park, the preserved territories and reserves with unique flora and fauna, as well as the rich distinctive folklore and traditions are important prerequisites for the development of hunting, medical, cultural and historical tourism and eco-tourism.
Bolyarovo
Bolyarovo Municipality is situated in the southern part of Yambol District on the northern slopes of Strandzha Mountain. It encompasses a part of the Toundzha undulating valley, the Derventski Elevations and the southern slopes of the Bakadzhitsite mounts. To the south the Municipality has a 55 km long border with the republic of Turkey. Its road network includes a total of 176 km of second, third- and fourth-class roads, the most important of them being Elhovo - Sredets.
The more interesting monuments of culture in the Municipality are: Ethnographic museum collection in Bolyarovo town; the Stefan Karadzha house-museum in Stefan Karadzhovo village; a commemoration sign on the place, where the home of Indzhe Voyvoda was in Popovo village. A monument to the founders of the Strandzhanska Komouna was made in Stefan Karadzhovo village. Some religious monuments are the Saint Virgin Mary's Assu church of 1763 in Stefan Karadzhovo village; the Saint George church in Voden village. There are archeological finds of 4 c. in the Monastery Complex in Voden village, a Thracian tomb in Rouzhitsa village, and early-Thracian graves in Valchi Izvor village. On the Popovska River near Malko Sharkovo village the second largest dam lake in Bulgaria has been built, which has an earth-embankment and is of 55 million cubic meters maximum capacity. If municipal terrains for construction in the surroundings of the dam lake are provided for construction purposes, this may resolve to a large extent the problem with the insufficient recreation facilities. Mineral water springs near Stefan Karadzhovo village of debit 13 l/sec have been explored and impounded. Their water is with hydro-carbonate calcium-magnesium mineralization, with proven healing properties similar to those of the mineral water in Karlovi Vari, the Czech Republic and Kislovodsk, Russia. A modern balneology treatment center has been built and equipped, which offers 240 beds. There are karst springs near Voden village. The region offers approximately good annual return of the investment in Bulgarian property.
