Location: Shumen is located at the eastern foot of Shumen plateau, along the banks of Poroyna River, about 380 km north-east from Sofia and 89 km north-west from Varna.
Population: The population of Shumen is about 89 000 inhabitants.
History: The first bits of information about Shumen come from the early Iron era - 12th century B.C., mentioning Thracian fortification at the place of the city. In 2nd century A.D. the Romans built a military outpost, which grew to a fortified city during the Middle Ages. Its establishment and development is related to the fortresses at the east end of Shumen Plateau. It is believed that the name of the city came from the name of Tsar Simeon the Great, but most probably it originates from the word “verdure” and “foliage leaves” (“shuma" and “zashumen” in Bulgarian), because it was situated in the midst of a forest area. During the 12th - 14th century, Shumen became a significant military, administrative and economic centre, even taking the functions of the old capital Veliki Preslav.
During the 18th century and particularly during the 19th century, the city developed as a large craftsman’s centre, which on the other hand is a prerequisite for active cultural life. In 1913 the first celebration of the day of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius in Bulgaria and the first theatre performance took place here. This is where in 1828 the first monastery school for girls was established, and in 1851 the first symphonic orchestra in Bulgaria was established. Shumen is the home city of the great Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov. In 1882 the first brewery in Bulgaria opened for business here and the production of “Shumensko pivo” continues until today.
Landmarks:
- Tombul Mosque is the largest mosque in the country and the second largest on the Balkan peninsula. It was built in 1744.
- Regional Museum of History - There are more than 150 000 exhibits on display in eight showrooms. The exposition is representing the colorful history of the region from ancient times till the end of 19th century. The museum is in possession of very rich collection of icons, coins, seals and metal arts on show in the “Treasury” hall. Thracian tomb from IVth century BC is the only one on the Balkans that is on display in museum environment.
Surroundings:
- The Madara Horseman is located 20 km away from Shumen. It constitutes a rock carved relief with the image of a horseman with a spear in his right hand and a crook in his left hand, a dog, a lion and a snake under the lion. The relief represents a triumphing ruler – symbol of the power of the First Bulgarian Empire. It is proclaimed for a world heritage monument by UNESCO in 1979. On 29th of June, 2008 Madara Horseman was proclaimed as a global symbol of Bulgaria, after a national survey was carried out. A picture of the Madara Horseman will be put on the first Bulgarian euro coin.
- Pliska is a town in the region of Shumen, established by Khan Asparuh in 681 and the first capital of Bulgaria till 893. Many years of archaeological studies reveal the remnants of an “external” and an “internal” city, a Throne palace, a Small castle, a pagan temple, palace church, water reservoir, baths, economic and residential buildings, whereas 1,5 km from the Eastern gate – the foundations of an impressive cathedral - the Large basilica, were found. The revealed remnants are conserved and constitute an open museum.
- Veliki Preslav is a town located close to Shumen – it is the second Bulgarian capital (from 893 till 969 or 971). The city emerged during the first half of the 9th century, during the rule of Khan Omurtag, as a military camp with a fortified palace and a garrison. Tsar Simeon I moved the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire in Veliki Preslav, situated 30 km away from the old capital Pliska. He turned it into the most beautiful city north from the Balkan Mountains and one of the most impressive cities in Southeast Europe (the era of the “Golden Age”). Remarkable fact is the presence of sewage and water supply in the city.
- Kabiyuk is the oldest state owned farm in Bulgaria, set in a beautiful country side 15 km. away from the city of Shumen, famous with breeding rare and typical local horse breeds.
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