What Silistra is known for

Silistra, a town with a history dating back 2,000 years, has several attractions and historical sites for visitors. For instance, the Medjidi Tabia Fortress, which is the last standing Ottoman fortress after the Russo-Turkish wars, can be found in the city. It features a museum inside and is a considerable local historical site. An ancient Roman burial tomb, the Roman Tomb of Silistra, is also located in the city. It dates back to the mid-4th century AD and showcases preserved architectural features and extensive frescoes. Moreover, the Archaeological Museum of Silistra provides insights into the town's history and archaeology, with exhibits that shed light on its past. People who enjoy the outdoors can venture to Danube Garden, one of Bulgaria's oldest parks, offering views of the Danube River and a place for a stroll or relaxation. Additionally, 30 kilometers from Silistra lies Kainardja Village, known for its historical significance as the site where the Peace after the First Crimean War was signed in 1774. It's also known for its wine cellars. Nearby, in the Strelkovo Village, people can find the shrine of the Thracian god Zalmoxis.[7]

The Srebarna Nature Reserve within Silistra Province boundaries covers a 600-hectare freshwater lake bordering the Danube River. This area is a breeding habitat for nearly 100 bird species, including many that are considered rare or threatened. Additionally, about 80 other bird species migrate to this reserve during winter, seeking shelter and sustenance, including the Dalmatian pelican, great egret, night heron, purple heron, glossy ibis, and white spoonbill. Thus, the Srebrana Nature Reserve is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.[5] Tourists who want to visit the Srebarna Nature Reserve can explore the Pelikani Protected Area, which was previously part of the reserve's buffer zone. Specific routes are available as well, including a route from the Natural History Museum to Atanasovo Fishing Village, which offers eco-trails, an observation tower, gazebos, benches, and toilets. Visitors can view pelican colonies and heron habitats along the way. Another trail is a seven-kilometer route from Pheasantry to South Gate, featuring crushed stone pavement, signposts, benches, and tables. The third one is a two-kilometer route in the Sport Fishing Area, partially accessible by cars, leading from the holiday home "Srebarna" to the "Kanaritchka" area. Sport fishing is allowed within specified areas in the nature reserve as well.[8]

Geography

Silistra area covers the eastern part of the Danube Plain and the northern parts of Ludogorie. Its proximity to the Danube River promotes navigation, fishing, and irrigation. Furthermore, the Danube River is the primary waterway, while other rivers are comparatively short and do not contribute to the economy. The predominant soil type in Silistra Province is humus, suitable for growing cereals and vegetables. As of 2002, the region had a population of 138,994 people, accounting for 1.8% of the national total and making Silistra one of Bulgaria's smaller regions. Population density stands at 48.8 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is lower than the national average of 70.7. The region consists of 7 municipalities, encompassing a total of 118 settlements.[4]

Within Silistra's borders is found the Srebarna Nature Reserve, a 600-hectare freshwater lake adjacent to the Danube River, known for its biodiversity. This reserve serves as a breeding ground for nearly 100 bird species, several of which are rare or endangered. Additionally, it provides a winter refuge for around 80 other migratory bird species. Notable avian inhabitants include the Dalmatian pelican, great egret, night heron, purple heron, glossy ibis, and white spoonbill. Moreover, the Srebarna Nature Reserve houses the only Dalmatian pelican colony in Bulgaria and the largest breeding populations of four other globally threatened species: pygmy cormorant, ferruginous duck, white-tailed eagle, and corncrake. Situated near the village of Srebarna on the Danube's west bank, the reserve encompasses the lake, former agricultural lands to the north, a strip of forest plantations along the river, the Komluka island, and the aquatic area enclosed by the island and the riverbank. According to UNESCO, the site is significant in preserving a type of wetland that was once widespread in Bulgaria and is now under threat.[5]

The climate in Silistra Province is moderately continental, characterized by cold winters and hot, dry summers.[4] In terms of average temperatures, June, July, and August are usually the warmest months. In particular, August stands out as the warmest month, with an average temperature of 31°C. Conversely, January tends to be the coolest month, with an average temperature of 5°C.[6]

History

Silistra, originally founded by the Romans, has a considerable history. It was a military center in the Roman province of Moesia, later becoming a center of Christianity. The town eventually evolved into a city during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. As the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western halves, Durostorum became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. Over the course of history, the town withstood Hungarian sieges in the late 7th century and served as a Bulgarian stronghold. In 969, it fell to Sviatoslav I of Kyiv and was then retaken by the Byzantines. Eventually, in 1186 it became part of the Second Bulgarian Empire and was renamed Drastar.[2]

During the Ottoman period, Silistra witnessed several changes of control. In 1390, Wallachian ruler Mircea the Old took control, only for the Ottomans to regain it in 1391. Mircea reclaimed the city in 1406, but it fell back to the Ottomans in 1420, becoming part of the Rumelia vilayet and serving as the administrative center of the sanjak of Silistria. In 1595, Silistra was damaged by fire during Ottoman rule. Following the Russian-Turkish wars, the city was restored and strengthened, with several forts added as part of defensive measures. However, in the Crimean War, it faced another Russian siege in 1854. In 1878, after the Congress of Berlin, Silistra became part of the Principality of Bulgaria. Nonetheless, it shifted hands during various wars, including a brief period under Romanian control in 1913. Finally, after the Treaty of Craiova in 1940, Silistra was reintegrated into Bulgaria and experienced industrial and agricultural growth during the communist era.[3]

The current town of Silistra is characterized by various industries including textile production, furniture manufacturing, brick and tile making, as well as the production of matting, packaging materials, and rush boards. It has a river port that handles a grain trade and is connected to the Ruse-Varna railway line. Silistra is situated in an agricultural area known for its livestock farming, grain cultivation, bean production, sugar beet farming, and grape cultivation.[1]