Yambol

Yambol is a region in south-eastern Bulgaria, neighbouring Turkey to the south. The province has an area of 3336 sq.km and, and a population of over 150 000 people. Yambol region is divided into 5 municipalities - Bolyarovo, Elhovo, Straldzha, Tundzha and Yambol. One of the biggest rivers in Bulgaria, Tundja (the fourth of its size with an earth embankment), flows through the district, and mineral water wells are found near the village of Stefan Caradjovo. The territory of the region covers the middle part of the river valley, the Bakadjitsi, parts of the Svetiliiski, Derventski and Manastirski uplands, with the hilly plain relief predominating 100-150m above sea level. The northern areas of Tundja valley are characterized by a trans-continental climate, while the southern parts have a typical continental/Mediterranean climate. Yambol province is also popular for the wood resources which include elm, willow, poplar and oak trees. The area has a rich history. Archaeological findings in the area date back to the year 6000 BC, to the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign when the castle, called Diospolis, was built on the location of the present modern town of Yambol. The best preserved historical sites, dating back to the fifteenth century, are the bazar "Bezisten" and the mosque "Esky Djamia", which have been restored and are functioning at present. Other historical sites of interest are the prehistoric tumulus by the village of Drama, the remains of Yambol Mediaeval castle and the Monastery of the middle Ages in Voden. Yambol is also home to the ancient settlement of Kabile, a national archaeological reserve and a nature preserved site, being the most important Thracian settlement in Bulgaria. In modern study of ancient Thrace it has already been proved that Kabile was the most prominent political, economic and religious centre from the first millennium BC. The archaeological investigations of the ancient city that have taken place in the last thirty years have revealed a great number of artefacts (stone inscriptions, coins, ceramic ware and remains of building activities) dating from times over a millennium long history. Most of the discovered artefacts have already been published and used as a data for archaeological and historical studies.