Teleorman is one of Romania's 41 counties, found in the state's southernmost area. The county's natural border is represented by the Danube River in the south, creating a state boundary with Bulgaria. Within Romania, Teleorman neighbors Olt County in the west, Arges and Dâmbovita Counties in the north, and Giurgiu County in the east. Stretching across approximately 5,790 square kilometers, Teleorman covers circa 2.4% of Romania's total area.[1] Its capital city, Alexandria, is located in the central part of the region. The city was founded in the 19th century.[3] In today's time, Alexandria is reportedly known for its textile and food processing industries. Other considerable cities within Teleorman's borders include Zimnicea and Turnu-Măgurele.[7] Geographically, Teleorman's landscapes are mainly composed of meadows and plains, with the land being used for agriculture, primarily producing corn, wheat, sunflower, lucerne, and tobacco.[1] One of the protected territories in Teleorman is the Corabia–Turnul Măgurele natural area, which is part of the Natura 2000 ecological network.[5] Apart from its nature, one of the architectural attractions of the Teleorman is the Mănăstirea Țigănești, or Gypsy Monastery, with a history dating back to the 18th century.[8] Some locals and tourists consider the summer season to be the best time to visit Teleorman when the temperatures climb above 30ºC.[6]
Teleorman is a county in south-central Romania, sharing its southern border with Bulgaria and intersected by the eastward-flowing Danube River. The region is crisscrossed by several rivers, all of which eventually empty into the Danube. Lake Suhaia is situated in the southern part of the county. The capital city, Alexandria, boasts textile and food processing industries, while Turnu-Măgurele is known for chemical and timber production. Roşiori de Vede manufactures machinery, and Zimnicea produces leather goods. Agriculture plays a considerable role in Teleorman's economy, with livestock raising and cereal cultivation as the main forms of work. The county features an extensive network of highways and railways, with transportation hubs in Alexandria, Turnu Măgurele, and Roșiori de Vede, including a major highway linking Bucharest and Craiova. In terms of local attractions, Alexandria houses a history museum, and other notable towns include Videle, Balaci, and Crângeni.[7]
Another touristic point is the town of Turnu Măgurele, with the primary draw for tourists being the Saint Haralambios Cathedral, situated in the town center. Erected by Greek farmers in the early 20th century, this cathedral is modeled after the Curtea de Argeș Cathedral and showcases a late Renaissance architectural style. Additionally, the Independence Monument can be considered a city icon, which commemorates Turnu Măgurele's contribution during the Romanian War of Independence (1877-1878).[4]
Architecture and history enthusiasts can visit the Mănăstirea Țigănești, or Gypsy Monastery, with roots dating back to 1776. Founded during the reign of Alexandru Ipsilanti, it began as a hermitage. Over the years, the monastery has seen several phases of restoration and refurbishment, with interventions in 1929 by the painter Belizarie. The complex includes various buildings, such as a school and a carpet weaving workshop that produces church fabrics.[8]
Teleorman County's landscape can be characterized by plains and the Danube meadows in the southern sector. However, this plain geography is considerably conducive to agriculture due to local pedoclimatic conditions and irrigation. The region is found in a climate area that is beneficial for crops such as corn, wheat, sunflowers, lucerne, and tobacco, although it's reportedly less suited for potatoes, beans, hemp, and other drought-sensitive plants. The Danube River flows through the county's southern border for 119 kilometers, among other rivers, including the Olt, Vedea, Teleorman, and Calmatui. Additionally, two Danube ports, Turnu Magurele and Zimnicea, present opportunities for river transport and industrial development.
The county's northeast features oil and natural gas resources, with relatively extensive oil fields found in places such as Blejesti, Silistea, Trivalea-Mosteni, Ciolanesti, Poeni, Talpa, and Videle. Due to its substantial arable land, Teleorman's lands are comprised of fertile soils, including chernozem, brown-red forest soil, and brown forest soil. Moreover, the area has several natural and artificial lakes, providing opportunities for fishing and recreation.[1]
Teleorman County is a refuge to a variety of fauna, with rodents such as rabbits, hamsters, badgers, mice, and ground squirrels. Its mammal population includes wild boars, foxes, ferrets, and martens, while the avian inhabitants include pheasants, partridges, woodpeckers, starlings, crows, and hoopoes. The county's flora comprises mainly plains, meadows, and forests characterized by oak, beech, holm, willow, and poplar trees.[6] One protected territory within Teleorman's borders is Corabia–Turnul Măgurele natural area, a region encompassing parts of Teleorman County and adjacent areas in Olt County. This area holds particular significance because it is where the Olt River meets the Danube, creating a habitat for various bird species.
Designated as a protected area in 2007, it became a part of the Natura 2000 ecological network in 2011. Spanning over 9,000 hectares, this natural reserve shelters several protected bird species, including cormorants, swans, herons, black kites, egrets, and seagulls, among others.
The landscape predominantly features willow and poplar trees, with otters and various species of fish and frogs.[5]
The temperate-continental climate of Teleorman County is typical of the moderate southern plain, characterized by heat, wide temperature variations, limited summer rainfall, and occasional droughts.[1] Summer temperatures tend to reach above 30ºC, while the annual average hovers around 10ºC to 11ºC. Rainfall is limited to approximately 600 millimeters per year.[6]
The first historical reference to the name "Teleorman" can be traced back to May 14, 1441, when it appeared in a document called "The Charter of the Prince Vlad the Devil," a leader in Walachia. The toponym "Teleorman" is thought to have evolved from "Dele-Orman," meaning "deep forest," and its roots can be traced back to the time of the Cumans. This term was also used in ancient Turkish with a similar meaning. Historical studies on the forest cover of this area have revealed evidence of long-standing and organized economic activities in the region.
During this historical period, Teleorman County maintained a relatively stable administrative boundary and was part of the traditional districts of Walachia.[1]
Today, the city of Alexandria bears Teleorman's capital city. Alexandria was founded in 1842, and by 1900, the town had a population of 1,675 residents. By 1989, the city had grown considerably, with a population exceeding 63,000 residents and the presence of six sizable facilities.[3] On the other hand, the aforementioned town of Turnu Măgurele bears a longer history, as it may have Roman origins, with Emperor Trajan possibly establishing a fortress there as part of Dacia's defense. However, there is debate among historians regarding its exact origins. The town was mentioned in documents from 1393-1394, becoming part of Wallachia until Turkish rule in 1417. It remained under Turkish control for centuries until it was ceded back to Wallachia in 1826. Later, Turnu Măgurele played a role in the 1848 Wallachian Revolution and the Romanian War of Independence. After several historical events, including administrative reform in 1968, it became a municipality.[4]
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