Dobrich

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Dobrich is a city in northeastern Bulgaria and the administrative center of Dobrich Province. It is located in the historical region of Southern Dobruja. Dobrich is the eighth most populated city in Bulgaria, with a population of approximately 90,000 inhabitants.

History

The area around Dobrich has been inhabited since antiquity. The city itself was founded during the 16th century and was originally known as Hacıoğlu Pazarcık. It was named after the Turkish merchant Hacıoğlu who established a market there. In 1882, after the Liberation of Bulgaria, the city was renamed Dobrich in honor of the medieval Bulgarian ruler Dobrotitsa.

During the Second Balkan War and World War I, Dobrich changed hands several times between Bulgaria and Romania. It was finally restored to Bulgaria in 1940 following the Treaty of Craiova.

Geography

Dobrich is situated on the Dobruja plateau, which is part of the larger Moesian Platform. The city is located approximately 30 km from the Black Sea coast and 50 km from the city of Varna. The climate in Dobrich is temperate continental, with hot summers and cold winters.

Economy

The economy of Dobrich is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, industry, and services. The region is known for its fertile soil and is a major producer of grains, vegetables, and fruits. The city also has a well-developed food processing industry, as well as machinery and textile manufacturing.

Culture

Dobrich is home to several cultural institutions, including the Dobrich Drama Theatre, the Yordan Yovkov Regional Library, and the Dobrich Art Gallery. The city hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as the Dobrich Fair and the International Folklore Festival.

Education

Dobrich has a number of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational schools. The city is also home to the Dobrich College, which is affiliated with the University of Shumen.

Transportation

Dobrich is well-connected by road and rail. The city has a railway station that links it to major cities like Varna and Sofia. The road network includes several major highways that facilitate easy access to the Black Sea coast and other parts of Bulgaria.

Notable People

• Yordan Yovkov - A prominent Bulgarian writer known for his short stories and plays.
• Petar Dachev - A Bulgarian long jumper who has competed in several international competitions.

Twin Towns – Sister Cities

Dobrich is twinned with several cities around the world, including:

• Kragujevac, Serbia
• Ploiești, Romania
• Zalaegerszeg, Hungary

See Also

• Dobrich Province
• Southern Dobruja
• Treaty of Craiova