District-Yambol

Yambol Region is situated in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. 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 region encompasses the Yambol Plain, the Elhovo Plain, the Bakadzhik Hills, 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. 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. 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. After the Unification of East Rumelia with the Bulgarian Principality in 1885 the area was completely liberated. 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. http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SE/Yambol/