Stanislav Dechev

The oldest settlements of Haskovo and its surroundings date back to the New Stone Age.

Haskovo evolved during the Middle Ages, and after the Liberation of Bulgaria (1878), the locals turned their back on crafts and started to build factories. The first industrial enterprises were established, new trade relations and markets came to life. The tobacco industry held the largest share in the city's industrial pallette in terms of amount of invested capital,  number of employed workers and annual output. In 1900, the city had 15,000 inhabitants.  

At the beginning of the 20th century, industry, trade and agriculture were revived. Modernization of agriculture began. In the 1960s and 1970s, as a result of the intensified industrialization, large industrial enterprises were established. The industrialization of the city and housing construction increased in the same time. New neighborhoods and streets, green areas, schools, polyclinics, bakeries, cultural institutes, shops, and more sprang up.    

Since 1989 many of the old machine-building factories were modernized others were closed. In recent years, new ventures and associations have been set up, and they manage to penetrate even the global market with their production. 

Haskovo is a regional town and municipality located in the central part of Southern Bulgaria. It is an administrative, economic and cultural centre of the region. It includes 36 settlements - 1 town and 35 villages. 

Haskovo municipality offers many logistical advantages for potential investors. Its location in the central part of Southern Bulgaria, at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, gives good prerequisite for international, trade and cultural exchanges. The main bus and railway routes towards the border checkpoints of Bulgaria run through the territory of Haskovo, helping the trade exchange with Greece and Turkey. In the same time, 2 key highways pass near the city - Trakia and Maritsa, as well as 4 main international transport corridors. 

 

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TOURISM

The city attracts tourists with its landmarks and location. The specific architecture of Haskovo is also one of its attractions. Numerous oriental-style streets have been preserved, which brings memories of life in the past century. In addition, the preserved old city district will fascinate with its Renaissance architecture. The centre of Haskovo is home to the oldest mosque in the country, which attracts numerous tourists. There are also many antique houses and public buildings declared to be cultural monuments that preserve the unique spirit of Haskovo history. The world's tallest statue of the Holy Mother of God is situated in Haskovo.