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Veliki Preslav is a town in North East Bulgaria. It is part of Shumen region, lies 20 km away from the town of Shumen and is the third largest town in the region after Shumen and Novi Pazar. The town is also administrative and economic center of Veliki Preslav municipality.
Veliki Preslav is situated at the foot of Preslavsko-Dragoevska mountain where vast fields, cut by swift-flowing rivers are alternating with rolling green hills and century-old deciduous and coniferous forests. The climate is temperate-continental significantly influenced by the proximity of the mountain. The winter is cold and snowy, the spring is cool yet sunny, the summer is hot and the autumn is rainy. The population is approximately 9 000 people. Altitude - 92 m.
The town was founded in the 9th century AD during the reign of Boris I of Bulgaria and was initially used as a military camp with a fortified palace and a garrison, located 30 km away from Pliska - the first capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. In 893 Preslav was pronounced capital by Tzar Simeon I of Bulgaria in a period when the Bulgarian State used to be in the height of its political and cultural development.
In the Middle Ages Preslav has become one of the most beautiful and significant settlements in South East Europe. Many remarkable monuments have been preserved from this period. The town also impressed with the water-supply and sewerage systems functioning on its territory.
In its modern history Veliki Preslav was granted the statute of a town in 1883. During the Ottoman Domination the town was named Eski Stamboluk (Old Istanbul in Turkish). Later on, in 1993, a decree was issued by the Bulgarian Government to restore the town's original name - Veliki Preslav.
The inhabitants and the guests of Veliki Preslav may take advantage on all modern conveniences and communications. There are many schools (secondary, high and vocational), kindergartens and day cares, banks, community centers, Orthodox churches, pharmacies, medical and dental centers, various kinds of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, parks, entertainment centers, hotels and guest-houses. Full coverage of all mobile operators is available. Many internet providers offer their services. The roads are in a very good condition. All properties on the territory of the town are supplied with electricity and water on a regular basis. A sewerage system is functioning, as well.
The traditional occupation of the local people used to be agriculture, vine-growing and wine-making. Many private enterprises are functioning on the territory of Veliki Preslav engaged into the production of: furniture, bread and paste products, plastics, food products, construction materials, ready-made clothing, herbs and fruits etc. Nearby villages are well-known for the high-quality wines produced there.
Sources: www.liternet.bg, www.wikipedia.org, http://velikipreslav.bg
Pictures: Mirela, internet