On July 17, 1393, Turnovo was conquered by Turkish troops. Because of its centuries-old craft and trade traditions, the city at that time was important to the Turkish Empire, also known as Kuruskella (dry harbor).

The Bulgarian population is quickly taking the lead over the Turks who died from plague and cholera epidemics. Many Balkan people move into the city and find a place to live here. The Turks allowed them to move west and north to Kartal Bair and gradually the Bulgarian city began to expand. This is how in the 17th – 18th centuries the largest Turnovo quarter – Varosha (or as it is known by the locals – “Varusha”), came into being.

“Since the arrivals of other Balkan villages, the Turks have allowed to build houses just to the west of the old town, along the precipice of the continuation of Kartal Bair, which was called Varushi,” the Veliko Turnovo Guide says. “, 1907

The word “Varos” comes from the Hungarian language and means “the old part of a city built high”. This is a common name of the old neighborhoods in many Bulgarian cities. The Varusha district of Veliko Turnovo rises proudly above the central part of the old capital. It is characterized by the narrow cobblestone streets and unique architecture with amphitheatrically located houses. There are also quite a few cats here.

I will try to introduce you to some of the sights of the beautiful Veliko Tarnovo quarter:

Here on November 17, 1827 was born the famous poet and writer Petko Rachev Slaveykov, one of the creators of the New Bulgarian literary language, a talented journalist, a participant in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation and in the drafting of the Tarnovo Constitution.

The home of PR Slaveykov today can be recognized by his monument, made by the sculptor Blagoi Iliev.

The neighborhood also shelters some of the architectural masterpieces of the great Bulgarian Revival builder Mouth Kolio Ficheto.