Shumen: The Heart of Bulgaria's History and Culture

• HelloЗдравей
  [Zdravey]
• GoodbyeДовиждане
  [Dovizhdane]
• YesДа
  [Da]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeМоля
  [Molya]
• Thank youБлагодаря
  [Blagodarya]
• Excuse me/SorryИзвинявайте
  [Izvinyavayte]
• How are you?Как си?
  [Kak si?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А ти?
  [Dobre. A ti?]
• Do you speak English?Говориш ли английски?
  [Govorish li angliyski?]
• I don't understandНе разбирам
  [Ne razbiram]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseБих искал да видя менюто, моля
  [Bih iskal da vida menyuto, molya]
• I don't eat meatНе ям месо
  [Ne yam meso]
• Cheers!На здраве!
  [Na zdrave!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseБих искал да платя, моля
  [Bih iskal da platya, molya]

• Help!Помощ!
  [Pomosht!]
• Go away!Изчезвай!
  [Izchezhvay!]
• Call the Police!Обадете се на полицията!
  [Ovadete se na politsiyata!]
• Call a doctor!Обадете се на лекар!
  [Ovadete se na lekar!]
• I'm lostЗагубил съм се
  [Zagubil sym se]
• I'm illБолен съм
  [Bolen sym]

• I'd like to buy...Бих искал да купя...
  [Bih iskal da kupya...]
• I'm just lookingСамо разглеждам
  [Samo razglezhdam]
• How much is it?Колко струва?
  [Kolko struva?]
• That's too expensiveТова е твърде скъпо
  [Tova e tvurde skapo]
• Can you lower the price?Можете ли да намалите цената?
  [Mozhete li da namalite tsenata?]

• What time is it?Колко е часът?
  [Kolko e chasat?]
• It's one o'clockЕдин час
  [Edin chas]
• Half past (10)Половина след (10)
  [Polovina sled (10)]
• MorningСутрин
  [Sutrin]
• AfternoonСледобед
  [Sledobed]
• EveningВечер
  [Vecher]
• YesterdayВчера
  [Vchera]
• TodayДнес
  [Dnes]
• TomorrowУтре
  [Utre]
• 1едно
  [edno]
• 2две
  [dve]
• 3три
  [tri]
• 4четири
  [chetiri]
• 5пет
  [pet]
• 6шест
  [shest]
• 7седем
  [sedem]
• 8осем
  [osem]
• 9девет
  [devet]
• 10десет
  [deset]

• Where's a/the...?Къде е...
  [Kade e...]
• What's the address?Какъв е адресът?
  [Kakav e adresat?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Можете ли да ми покажете (на картата)?
  [Mozhete li da mi pokazhete (na kartata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кога е следващият (автобус)?
  [Koga e sledvashtiyat (avtobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (до ....)
  [Bilet (do ....)]

Shumen's history dates back to the Thracian era, where the region was part of the Odrysian Kingdom. Archaeological findings, such as pottery and tools, suggest that the Thracians established settlements here as early as the 5th century BCE. The region was known for its rich culture and advanced metallurgy.

During the Roman period, Shumen became an important military and administrative center. The Romans built a fortress on the Shumen Plateau, which served as a key point in the defense system of the Moesia province. Remnants of Roman roads and fortifications can still be seen today, highlighting the city's strategic importance.

Shumen played a crucial role during the First Bulgarian Empire (681-1018 CE). The nearby cities of Pliska and Preslav served as capitals, and Shumen was an important administrative and military hub. King Simeon the Great, who ruled from 893 to 927, fostered a cultural and literary renaissance in the area, making it a center of Slavic culture and literacy.

Shumen fell under Ottoman rule in the late 14th century, becoming an important administrative and military center in the empire. The city saw the construction of numerous mosques, baths, and fortifications. Despite the long Ottoman presence, Shumen was also a focal point for Bulgarian resistance and cultural preservation, playing a significant role in the Bulgarian National Revival.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a resurgence of Bulgarian culture and identity in Shumen. The city became a center for education and the arts, with the establishment of the first Bulgarian school in 1813 and the founding of the Dobri Voynikov Theater in 1856. This period marked a significant cultural and intellectual awakening that contributed to the eventual liberation from Ottoman rule.

Following Bulgaria's liberation in 1878, Shumen continued to grow and modernize. The city became an industrial and cultural hub, with the development of textile, food, and machinery industries. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Shumen has balanced its rich historical heritage with modern advancements, making it a vibrant place for both residents and visitors.

Shumen is home to numerous historical monuments that capture its diverse past. The Shumen Fortress offers a glimpse into the city's ancient and medieval history, while the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria stands as a modern tribute to the nation's enduring legacy. The Tombul Mosque, one of the largest in the Balkans, illustrates the city's Ottoman heritage and its architectural splendor.

Shumen is located in northeastern Bulgaria. The nearest international airport is Varna Airport, approximately 80 kilometers away. From Varna, you can take a bus or a train to Shumen, with the journey typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Sofia Airport is about 380 kilometers away, and you can take a direct bus or train from Sofia to Shumen, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Shumen is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are readily available. The bus network covers most parts of the city and nearby villages. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but it's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand. Car rentals are also available if you prefer to explore the surrounding areas independently.

The official currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Shumen, and currency exchange offices are available, though it's wise to exchange money at official locations to avoid unfavorable rates.

Shumen is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Shumen has a local police station and several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and it's advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, it's customary to cover your head and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Bulgarians appreciate friendly gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it might be considered impolite.

To experience Shumen like a local, visit the Shumen Fortress and the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria. Engage with locals at the central market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Bulgarian goods. Don't miss the Madara Rider, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Shumen. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or cultural event, where you can enjoy traditional music, dance, and cuisine.