What Razgrad is known for

Razgrad is a town situated in northeastern Bulgaria along the banks of the Beli Lom River. It is known as Bulgaria's leading producer of antibiotics and is also involved in the manufacturing of concrete, porcelain, and glass. Additionally, Razgrad serves as an agricultural hub specializing in cultivating grain, vegetables, and timber. The town has a considerable historical heritage, having been under Turkish rule from the 15th to the 19th century. As of the 2004 estimate, the town had a population of approximately 36,568 residents.[6]

In the city of Razgrad, people can visit the Razgrad Historical Museum, which has been engaged in discovering, preserving, and studying antiquities in Razgrad and its vicinity since 1887. The museum comprises six departments, including Archaeology, Ethnography, History of Bulgaria (15th-19th century), New and Recent History, Funds, and Accounting. Within the museum, there's a permanent archaeological exhibition showcasing exhibits grouped into various themes reflecting the evolution of human society throughout the centuries. Another tourist destination is the Art Gallery "Prof. Iliya Petrov," established in 1972, which features a collection of around 2,080 artworks created by Bulgarian and Razgrad artists. Other notable landmarks in Razgrad include the Church of "St. Nicholas the Wonderworker," built in 1860; the clock tower, dating back to 1764; the Exarch Joseph I High School Building; and the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, an extensive 16th-century square building listed in the UNESCO catalog as the third-largest mosque in the Balkans. Additionally, an ethnographic museum offers insights into traditional family life and customs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing the local population's lifestyle during that era.[7]

However, the city isn't the only place where historical and cultural landmarks can be found. Reportedly, Razgrad Province is home to around 1,200 immovable monuments. One of the region's cultural landmarks is the national historical-archaeological reserve known as "Sboryanovo," situated in Isperih Municipality. Within its boundaries lies a UNESCO-protected cultural monument: the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari. This tomb, declared a heritage site in 1985, holds considerable historical significance. Additionally, the historical-archaeological reserve "Abritus" in Razgrad, covering 1,000 decares, is a national cultural monument. It showcases the fortification system of an ancient city and has undergone partial restoration and excavation, offering an educational experience for tourists.[8]

Geography

Razgrad Province features flat and hilly terrain, with elevations averaging between 250 and 270 meters. The lowest point lies in Yuper village at 39.14 meters above sea level, while the highest point is in Samuil village at 485.7 meters. The district encompasses sections of the Danube Plain, Ludogorsk Plateau, Razgrad and Samuilovsky Heights, and the Beli Lom River valley. Local soil types include chernozems, with podzolic chernozems covering 55.9% of the area. Gray forest soils are prevalent in the northeastern and southwestern parts, making up 36.6%. Other soil types occupy 7.5% of the territory. Mineral resources in Razgrad are limited, with clay deposits used for ceramics production. The district's water resources are predominantly temporary rivers, except for the Beli Lom River. "Beli Lom" is the largest constructed dam in the area, while Isperih Municipality houses a significant karst spring, creating a complex of karst features such as caves and sinkholes.[4] The climate in Northern Bulgaria, including the Razgrad area, is characterized as moderately continental, featuring cold winters with the lowest temperature recorded at -28.6°C in January 1993, as well as hot summers, where the country's highest temperature of 40.6°C was recorded in July 1916. In summer, the region can often experience drought due to high temperatures and insufficient rainfall.[2]

Concerning the nature of Razgrad, it is situated within the oak and black pine belt, specifically in the hilly oak sub-belt. The diverse terrain and varied thermal, hydrographic, and soil conditions have fostered the growth of over 600 plant species. Tree-shrub communities dominate the area, with around 50 types of trees, shrubs, and climbing plants, with 30 of them being the primary species. The region also showcases a flora of ferns and steppe settlers, including petrophilic species along rock ridges. Some local animal species include swallowtail and crescent butterflies, various amphibians such as the tree frog, and reptiles such as the spiny-tailed turtle and green lizard. The avifauna is fairly diverse, with some of the rock dwellers being the rock eagle and white-tailed buzzard. Birds inhabit many of the forests as well, more specifically the forest shrew and the black woodpecker. The area's water bodies attract an array of waterfowl and waders. Moreover, the Balgorod deer, roe deer, and wild boar are a few mammals that are characteristic of the region, along with various rodents and bats. Predatory animals, including the wolf, fox, and wild cat, also inhabit the area.[3]

History

Razgrad was established on the remnants of the ancient Roman town called Abritus, which was situated along the banks of the Beli Lom River. The origins of Abritus can be traced back to a Thracian settlement circa the fourth and fifth centuries BC, although its specific name from that era remains unknown. The archaeological discoveries in the area have included bronze coins bearing the image of the Thracian king Seuthes III (330-300 BC), various pottery items, artifacts from different rulers, and a sacrificial altar dedicated to Hercules. In the year 251, Abritus gained historical significance as the location of the Battle of Abrittus, an event in which the Goths emerged victorious over a Roman army led by the emperors Trajan Decius and Herennius Etruscus. This battle holds historical importance as it marked the first instance of a Roman emperor perishing in combat against barbarian forces.[1]

Razgrad, currently serving as the primary regional and administrative hub, was first mentioned in the 13th century. During the period of Ottoman rule, it evolved into a center for crafts, commerce, and administration. In 1575, it was officially designated as Hrusgrad, taking on administrative responsibilities.[2]

One of the predominant historical landmarks in the region is the Architectural District of "Varosha," which offers a glimpse into the 19th century through its preserved Renaissance houses. In addition to exploring the Varosha complex, Razgrad provides a range of attractions, including the Archaeological Reserve of Abritus, the Ethnographic Museum, the House-Museum of Dimitar Nenov, the Clock Tower, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and the Mosque of Ibrahim Pasha. The Ethnographic Complex in Pobit Kamak village, the Archaeological Complex of "Sboryanovo," and the Thracian tomb in Sveshtari village can also be found nearby.[5]