Editing Sliven

{{Infobox settlement
| official_name                   = Sliven
| subdivision_type                = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = {{BUL}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[Provinces of Bulgaria|Province]]<br /><small>(Oblast)</small>
| timezone                        = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset                      = +2
| timezone_DST                    = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset_DST                  = +3
| map_caption                     = Location of Sliven|
| pushpin_map                     = Bulgaria#Balkans
| pushpin_label_position          = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location of Sliven
| pushpin_mapsize                 = 
| pushpin_relief                  = 1
| leader_title                    = Mayor
| postal_code_type                = [[List of postal codes in Bulgaria|Postal Code]]
| area_total_km2                  = 193.78
| population_density_km2          = auto
| blank_name                      = [[Bulgarian car number plates|License plate]]|
| native_name                     = Сливен 
| image_shield                    = BUL Сливен COA.png
| image_flag                      = Sliven_flag.png
| image_skyline                   = CollageSliven.JPG
| image_caption                   = Top: Panorama view of Sliven, 2nd left: Sliven City Hall, 2nd right: Stefan Kirov Drama Theater, 3rd left: Monument of Hadji Dimitar, 3rd right: Hadji Dimitar House Museum, 4th left: Saint Dimitar Cathedral, 4th right: Clock Tower, Bottom left: A bust chieftain of Hadji Dimitar in Dimitar House Museum, Bottom right: Slivenski Bit Museum
| subdivision_name1               = [[Sliven Province|Sliven]]
| population_total                = 83,740
| population_urban                = 115,241
| population_footnotes            = <ref name="cities census 2011">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsi.bg/census2011/pagebg2.php?p2=36&sp2=37&SSPP2=45|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408064046/http://www.nsi.bg/census2011/pagebg2.php?p2=36&sp2=37&SSPP2=45|url-status=dead|title=National Statistical Institute - Main Towns Census 2011|archivedate=Apr 8, 2011|accessdate=Jul 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://nsi.bg/bg/content/2975/%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%BE-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB|title=Население по области, общини, местоживеене и пол &#124; Национален статистически институт|website=nsi.bg|accessdate=Jul 20, 2022}}</ref>|
| population_as_of                = <small>Census 2021</small>
| elevation_m                     = 243
| postal_code                     = 8800
| area_code                       = 044
| blank_info                      = CH
| website                         = [http://www.sliven.bg/indexen.csp?Langn=EN Official website]
| coordinates                     = {{coord|42|41|N|26|20|E|region:BG|display=inline}}
| leader_name                     = Stefan Radev
| name                            = 
| settlement_type                 = Town
}}

'''Sliven''' ({{langx|bg|Сливен}} {{IPA|bg|ˈslivɛn|}}) is [[List of cities and towns in Bulgaria|the eighth-largest city]] in [[Bulgaria]] and the administrative and industrial centre of [[Sliven Province]] and municipality in [[Northern Thrace]]. It is situated in the [[Sliven Valley]] at the foothills of the [[Balkan Mountains]].

Sliven is famous for its heroic [[Hajduk|Haiduts]] who fought against the [[Ottoman Turks]] in the 19th century and is known as the "City of the 100 [[voyvoda|Voyvodi]]", a Voyvoda being a leader of Haiduts.

The famous rocky [[massif]] Sinite Kamani (Сините камъни, "The Blue Rocks") and the associated [[Sinite Kamani Nature Park]], the fresh air and the mineral springs at [[Slivenski Mineralni Bani]] offer diverse opportunities for leisure and tourism. Investors are exploring the opportunity to use the local wind (Bora) for the production of electricity.

Another point of interest and a major symbol of the city as featured on the coat of arms, is the more than thousand-year-old Stariyat Briast (Старият Бряст, "The Old Elm"), a huge [[Smooth-leaved Elm]] in the center of the city. During Ottoman rule, Turkish officials used to hang Bulgarian revolutionaries on it. Today the city is helping the tree to live on by frequent evaluations and reinforcing its base. It was elected Bulgarian tree of the year in 2013. On 19 March 2014 the results of an online poll were revealed at a ceremony in the European Parliament. The Old Elm was voted [[European Tree of the Year]] 2014. The city also served as an important strategic centre for the [[Bulgarian Army]], with the headquarters of the Bulgarian Third Army located in the centre of the city, being situated relatively near to the sensitive Turkish border.

[[Sliven Peak]] on [[Livingston Island]] in the [[South Shetland Islands]], [[Antarctica]] is named after Sliven.

== Etymology ==
The name comes from the Slavic word ''sliv'' ("pour, confluence") + the Slavic suffix or ending ''-en''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sliven.gvardia.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=221&Itemid=80 |title=За Сливен |publisher=БНС – Сливен |language=bg |access-date=2008-09-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928233719/http://sliven.gvardia.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=221&Itemid=80 |archive-date=2008-09-28 }}</ref> In Turkish the name of the city is İslimiye, while in [[Greek language|Greek]] it is Σλίβεν.

== Geography ==
[[File:Karandila2.jpg|left|thumb|View of Sliven and the [[Upper Thracian Lowlands|lowlands of Thrace]] from southern [[Stara Planina]]]]
Sliven is situated in the [[Sliven Valley]] at the foothills of the [[Balkan Mountains]]. It is located 300&nbsp;km east of Bulgaria's capital [[Sofia]], 100&nbsp;km from [[Burgas]], the country's largest commercial port, 130&nbsp;km from the border with [[Turkey]] and 130&nbsp;km from the border with [[Greece]]. It is located in close proximity to the cities of [[Yambol]] and [[Nova Zagora]].

West of the city lies the so-called Peach Valley which contains large [[peach]] orchards. The city is also known for the mineral baths at [[Slivenski Mineralni Bani]] some 12&nbsp;km southeast, whose water is used to treat diseases of the liver and nervous system.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.tourism.government.bg/bg/spa-destinations/6497/6504 |title=Slivenski Mineralni Bani |website=Official Site of the Ministry of Tourism|accessdate=20 April 2024}}</ref>

The most visited geographical location and attraction in the city is the Karandila (Карандила). It is a hilltop 1050m above sea level, with great sights overlooking the city. The rock formation Halkata (Хaлката, "The Ring") is located on the Karandila. It is a rock protrusion with a peculiar hole in the center. According to myth, one would have their most sincere wish granted upon passing through the ring. Karandila is the site of the annual [[Sarakatsani|Karakachani]] festival, organized by the [[Federation of the Cultural and Educational Associations of Karakachans]] (ФКПДК) in Bulgaria each July.<ref>[http://www.ourbulgarianworld.info/new-forum/37-bulgarian-traditions-and-customs/13788-annual-karakachan-festival-karandila Annual Karakachan Festival, Karandila]</ref>

Karandila is located in [[Sinite Kamani Nature Park]], whose peak Bulgarka (1181&nbsp;m) is the highest in the eastern Balkan Mountains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bulgariainside.eu/en/articles/%D0%A1%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%8A%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B8-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B0/467/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515032138/http://www.bulgariainside.eu/en/articles/%D0%A1%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%8A%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B8-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B0/467/index.html |archive-date=2014-05-15 |title=BulgariaInside: online travel guide|date=May 15, 2014|accessdate=Jul 20, 2022}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Sliven Municipality is situated on the sub-Balkan plain in the zone of transitional-continental climate. In the region of Sliven, winter is mild and summer is relatively warm. Autumn is longer than spring. The local wind [[Bora (wind)|Bora]] is typical for the region.
{{Weather box
|width = auto
|location = Sliven (1991–2020, extremes since 1991)
|single line = Yes
|metric first = Yes
| precipitation colour  =  green
| unit precipitation days =  1.0 mm
| precip days colour      =  
| Jan record high C =21.2
| Feb record high C =23.4
| Mar record high C =27.4
| Apr record high C =29.5
| May record high C =34.5
| Jun record high C =41.1
| Jul record high C =42.2
| Aug record high C =39.9
| Sep record high C =35.8
| Oct record high C =34.0
| Nov record high C =25.6
| Dec record high C =22.0
| Jan high C  =6.1
| Feb high C  =8.5
| Mar high C  =12.6
| Apr high C  =17.9
| May high C  =23.1
| Jun high C  =27.5
| Jul high C  =30.1
| Aug high C  =30.5
| Sep high C  =25.4
| Oct high C  =19.1
| Nov high C  =12.7
| Dec high C  =7.4
| year high C =
| Jan mean C  =2.1
| Feb mean C  =3.8
| Mar mean C  =7.3
| Apr mean C  =12.1
| May mean C  =17.3
| Jun mean C  =21.7
| Jul mean C  =24.3
| Aug mean C  =24.2
| Sep mean C  =19.2
| Oct mean C  =13.6
| Nov mean C  =8.3
| Dec mean C  =3.5
| year mean C =
| Jan low C  =-1.1
| Feb low C  =0.1
| Mar low C  =3.2
| Apr low C  =7.3
| May low C  =12.1
| Jun low C  =16.4
| Jul low C  =18.6
| Aug low C  =18.6
| Sep low C  =14.3
| Oct low C  =9.7
| Nov low C  =4.9
| Dec low C  =0.4
| year low C =
| Jan record low C  =-15.4
| Feb record low C  =-13.5
| Mar record low C  =-11.5
| Apr record low C  =-2.5
| May record low C  =1.9
| Jun record low C  =4.6
| Jul record low C  =10.0
| Aug record low C  =9.4
| Sep record low C  =5.6
| Oct record low C  =-2.5
| Nov record low C  =-6.7
| Dec record low C  =-13.5

| Jan precipitation mm  =40
| Feb precipitation mm  =40
| Mar precipitation mm  =41
| Apr precipitation mm  =41
| May precipitation mm  =66
| Jun precipitation mm  =70
| Jul precipitation mm  =48
| Aug precipitation mm  =39
| Sep precipitation mm  =52
| Oct precipitation mm  =48
| Nov precipitation mm  =45
| Dec precipitation mm  =54
| year precipitation mm =
| Jan precipitation days  =6
| Feb precipitation days  =5
| Mar precipitation days  =7
| Apr precipitation days  =7
| May precipitation days  =9
| Jun precipitation days  =7
| Jul precipitation days  =5
| Aug precipitation days  =4
| Sep precipitation days  =5
| Oct precipitation days  =5
| Nov precipitation days  =5
| Dec precipitation days  =6
| year precipitation days =
| Jan snow days  =5.9
| Feb snow days  =4.5
| Mar snow days  =3.2
| Apr snow days  =0.1
| May snow days  =0
| Jun snow days  =0
| Jul snow days  =0
| Aug snow days  =0
| Sep snow days  =0
| Oct snow days  =0
| Nov snow days  =1
| Dec snow days  =3.7
| year snow days =

| Jan sun  =104
| Feb sun  =125
| Mar sun  =166
| Apr sun  =205
| May sun  =257
| Jun sun  =292
| Jul sun  =330
| Aug sun  =322
| Sep sun  =244
| Oct sun  =177
| Nov sun  =117
| Dec sun  =95
| year sun =
|source = NOAA NCEI,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Bulgaria/CSV/Sliven_15640.csv |title=1991-2020 climate normals: Silven |access-date=2024-01-02 |publisher=NOAA |format=CSV}}</ref> Meteomanz(extremes since 2021, snowy days 2000-2020)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.meteomanz.com/sy3?l=1&cou=6250&ind=15640&m1=01&y1=2000&m2=07&y2=2024 |title=SLIVEN - Weather data by months |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=meteomanz}}</ref>
}}
{{Weather box
|width = auto
|location = Sliven (2002–2013)
|single line = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|Jan high C = 6.7
|Feb high C = 8.5
|Mar high C = 13.0
|Apr high C = 18.5
|May high C = 24.0
|Jun high C = 28.1
|Jul high C = 30.8
|Aug high C = 31.3
|Sep high C = 26.1
|Oct high C = 19.5
|Nov high C = 13.6
|Dec high C = 7.7
|year high C = 19.0
|Jan mean C = 2.3
|Feb mean C = 3.5
|Mar mean C = 8.2
|Apr mean C = 13.4
|May mean C = 18.7
|Jun mean C = 23.2
|Jul mean C = 25.2
|Aug mean C = 25.6
|Sep mean C = 20.9
|Oct mean C = 14.7
|Nov mean C = 9.6
|Dec mean C = 3.7
|year mean C = 14.3
|Jan low C = -0.5
|Feb low C = 0.6
|Mar low C = 3.5
|Apr low C = 8.7
|May low C = 12.7
|Jun low C = 17.0
|Jul low C = 19.0
|Aug low C = 19.2
|Sep low C = 15.0
|Oct low C = 10.2
|Nov low C = 5.6
|Dec low C = 1.1
|year low C = 9.3
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 46
|Feb precipitation mm = 41
|Mar precipitation mm = 31
|Apr precipitation mm = 50
|May precipitation mm = 67
|Jun precipitation mm = 66
|Jul precipitation mm = 54
|Aug precipitation mm = 37
|Sep precipitation mm = 32
|Oct precipitation mm = 43
|Nov precipitation mm = 61
|Dec precipitation mm = 59
|year precipitation mm = 587
|Jan sun = 94
|Feb sun = 122
|Mar sun = 171
|Apr sun = 213
|May sun = 264
|Jun sun = 293
|Jul sun = 327
|Aug sun = 319
|Sep sun = 232
|Oct sun = 191
|Nov sun = 123
|Dec sun = 87
|year sun = 2441
|source 1 = weather.com<ref name="weatheronline.co.uk">
{{cite web
|url = http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/city?LANG=en&PLZ=_____&PLZN=_____&WMO=15640&CONT=euro&R=0&LEVEL=162&REGION=0005&LAND=BU&MOD=tab&ART=PRE&NOREGION=1&FMM=1&FYY=2012&LMM=12&LYY=2012
|title = weatheronline.co.uk: Historical Weather for Sliven, Bulgaria
|publisher= weatheronline.co.uk
|year=2012
}}
Retrieved on May 9, 2013.
</ref>
|date= May 2013
}}

== Demographics ==
According to the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, as of 2021, the total population of the [[Sliven Municipality]] is 115,241 inhabitants while 83,740 inhabitants live in the city of Sliven.<ref name="auto"/> The town is called the under-age mother capital of Europe, with 177 such births in 2008.{{historical populations|1887|20893|1910|25142|1934|30571|1946|34291|1956|46175|1965|68384|1975|90187|1985|102423|1992|106212|2001|100366|2011|91620|2021|83371|2022|82251|align=right|cols=1|source=Censuses<ref name="BAN">{{cite web |url=http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-02-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706142758/http://www.geography.iit.bas.bg/2009/1-09/13-17.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-06 }}</ref>{{cite web|title=National statistical institute|url=https://www.nsi.bg/bg/content/21559/bg009c-%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD|date=2024-10-31}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Cities of Bulgaria|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/bulgaria-cities.htm|date=2024-04-03}}</ref>}}

=== Ethnic groups ===
Members of the following ethnic groups are represented in the city's population:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsi.bg/ORPDOCS/Census2011_1.pop_by_age.xls|title=Population on 01.02.2011 by provinces, municipalities, settlements and age; National Statistical Institute|accessdate=Jul 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsi.bg/ORPDOCS/Census2011_4.pop_by_ethnos.xls|title=Population by province, municipality, settlement and ethnic identification, by 01.02.2011; Bulgarian National Statistical Institute|accessdate=Jul 20, 2022}}</ref>
* [[Bulgarians]]: 68,853 (87.1%)
* [[Roma in Bulgaria|Roma]]: 5,666 (7.2%)
* [[Turks in Bulgaria|Turks]]: 2,637 (3.3%)
* [[Greeks in Bulgaria|Greeks (Sarakatsani)]], [[Armenians in Bulgaria|Armenians]] and others: 1,388 (1.8%)
* Undefinable: 491 (0.6%)
** Undeclared: 12,585 (13.7%)
Total: 91,620

In [[Sliven Municipality]], 88,750 declared as Bulgarians, 12,153 as Roma, 4,209 as Turks, and 18,641 did not declare their ethnic group. The city of Sliven, Sliven Municipality and [[Sliven Province]] have the largest number of Roma in Bulgaria.

== History ==

=== Antiquity ===
[[File:Saint-Dimitrius-church-in-Sliven.jpg|thumb|[[Saint Demetrius]] church in Sliven, built 1831]]
[[File:Hadji Dimitar.JPG|thumb|The monument of [[Hadzhi Dimitar]] in Sliven]]
Remains of the oldest settlements on the territory of Sliven date back to around 6000 BCE of the [[Neolithic]]. Ruins of a [[Thracians|Thracian]] settlement dating to around 5th–3rd century BCE as well as [[Thrace|Thracian]] ceramics and [[Hellenistic]] coins have been discovered in the area of Hisarlaka — a small hill in Sliven. In antiquity it was known as ''Selymnos (Σήλυμνος in [[Greek language|Greek]])''. The area occupied by present-day Sliven has in the past been settled by the [[Thracians|Thracian]] tribes Asti, Kabileti and Seleti. These tribes held their independence until time of [[Philip II of Macedon]] and [[Alexander the Great]] who conquered them.

The 2nd century BCE marked the beginning of the Roman conquests of northeastern [[Thracia]]. Sliven was conquered by [[Rome]] around 72–71 BCE when the [[Thracians|Thracian]]<ref>Fol, Aleksandar. The Thracian Royal city of Kabyle. - In: Settlement Life in Ancient Thrace. IIIrd International Symposium “Cabyle”, 17–21 May 1993 Jambol. Jambol, 53-55.</ref> [[Kabile]] and later [[Greece|Greek]]<ref>An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis: An Investigation Conducted by The Copenhagen Polis Centre for the Danish National Research Foundation by Mogens Herman Hansen,2005,Index</ref> cities of [[Kabile]] and [[Sozopol|Apolonia]] are conquered. With the emergence of the [[Roman Empire]] the region of the city became part of the [[Thrace|Thracian]] province of the [[Roman Empire]].

A new stage in the city's history began around 2nd-4th century. The first written records of the settlement's name, [[Tuida]]/Suida/Tsuida date to this period. This name is most likely of [[Thracian language|Thracian]] origin. Its etymology is currently not understood. It is also mentioned by [[Hierocles (Stoic)|Hierocles]], who identifies it as one of the four cities in the province of [[Haemimontus]], established as part of the [[Diocese of Thrace]] under [[Diocletian]] and also by [[Procopius of Caesarea]]. The Roman road from Anchialos (today [[Pomorie]]) along the [[Tundzha]] to [[Serdika]] was built.

In a written record from the 3rd century, the settlement was called <nowiki>''</nowiki>Tarzhishte" and most likely belonged to the territory of the city of Augusta Traiana (today [[Stara Zagora]]).

The fortress avoided the [[Gothic War (376–382)|Gothic War]], but was destroyed in the Huns' raid in the 5th century. During the reign of Emperor [[Anastasius I Dicorus]], it was rebuilt, which retained the previous one's plan, but was considerably fortified.

In the ancient fortress' interior and near its eastern wall, are excavated the remains of a basilica with a baptistery, which functioned in the 5th-6th centuries.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Dimitrov |first1=Dimitŭr Alekseev |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/893974801 |title=Khristii︠a︡nskite khramove po bŭlgarskite zemi (I-IX vek) |last2=Димитров |first2=Димитър Алексеев |date=2013 |isbn=978-954-2972-17-4 |edition=Pŭrvo izdanie |location=Sofii︠a︡ |pages=50–51 |oclc=893974801}}</ref> It was likely destroyed by the Huns and rebuilt under [[Justinian I]]. A larger church was founded in the south of the fortress, built in the 5th century and enlarged in the 6th century. This indicates that the settlement was not limited to the territory of the fortress, but also expanded in the surrounding area.<ref name=":0" />

The city of Tuida/Tsuida was the seat of a bishop, subordinate to the Metropolitanate of Adrianople. Until that time the bishop seat was in [[Cabyle]]. In the 4th century, most likely due to the proximity of the two cities, which were in different provinces, Cabyle was abandoned and its population moved to [[Yambol|Diospolis]]. The seat of the bishop, however, for unknown reasons, was moved to Tuida, which very likely marked the beginning of the proverbial rivalry between Sliven and Yambol.

Tuida ceased to exist around 598-599, when it was again destroyed, most likely by the [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]] and [[Slavs]]. There is a theory that this happened as part of a major battle between the Avars and the Byzantine general Comentius.

=== Middle Ages ===
The area of Sliven was incorporated into the [[First Bulgarian Empire]] around 705 as part of the Slav-settled [[Zagore (region)|Zagore]], according to [[Tervel of Bulgaria|Tervel's]] treaty with the Byzantine Emperor [[Justinian II]]. A settlement was established on the area of Tuida, of which the etymology is unknown. The beginnings of the settlement weren't dated, but were before 870, when a lead seal of [[Boris I of Bulgaria|Boris I]] was discovered. The Bulgarians reconstructed the walls of the fortress and also the water supply at the northern gate. New buildings were built, some of which, have lined marble slabs made in [[Preslav]]'s stonemasonry workshops.

Paleoornithologist Zlatozar Boev discovered bone remains of 14 species of wild and domestic birds in Hissarlaka from the 10th-12th centuries. The findings of [[Hawk eagle]] ([[Aquila fasciata]]) and [[grouse]] ([[Tetrao urogallus]]) are among the rarest in the country.

The town continued to exist after the dissolution of the first empire. The Pechenegs briefly controlled it in mid-10th century, after which it began to decline. In 1153, the town was rebuilt. The fortress was abandoned and ceased.

During the [[Second Bulgarian Empire]], twenty-four monasteries were built in its vicinity, which formed a complex. Under Tsar [[Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria|Ivan Alexander]], Sliven was a town near the [[Byzantine Empire]].<ref>Димитър Ангелов, Въпросът за политическите емигранти в отношенията между Византия и средновековна България // В: Античная древность и средние века. – Вып. 10. – 1973. – С. 121.</ref> During the [[Bulgarian–Ottoman wars|Ottoman invasion of Bulgaria]], the medieval town was destroyed and the monasteries were burnt. The city was known as "İslimye" by the Turks.

=== Early modern history ===
During Ottoman rule Sliven was a sanjak centre in first [[Rumelia eyalet]], then [[Silistra Eyalet|Silistre]] ([[Ochakov|Özi]]) eyalet, [[Edirne vilayet]]. From the beginning of the 16th century it was the centre of a [[kaza]], which retained its territory until the middle of the 19th century. In the 17th century Sliven developed as a crafts centre and also famous for the production of guns, pickaxes, iron tools. The town was the settlement of a strong [[Hajduk]] movement against the Ottomans and became known as "the town of the hundred voivodes". Among them were [[Hadzhi Dimitar]], Zlati Voivoda and [[Panayot Hitov]]. As the chief priest of the Bulgarian Militia, Amphilohiy from Sliven consecrated the Samara flag in [[Ploiești]]. Sliven was also as a Jewish center. By 1859, 30 Jewish families lived in Sliven, where a synagogue and a Jewish school were built for them.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Raĭchevski |first1=Stoi︠a︡n. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/256501426 |title=Bŭlgari i evrei prez vekovete |last2=Райчевски |first2=Стоян. |date=2008 |publisher=Bŭlgarski bestselŭr |isbn=978-954-463-021-8 |edition=1. izd |location=Sofii︠a︡ |oclc=256501426}}</ref>

In 1738, the population of Sliven was predominantly Turkish.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Leo |first=Michel |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1062162833 |title=Bŭlgarii͡a i neĭnii͡at narod pod osmanka vlast : prez pogleda na anglosaksonskite pŭteshestvenit͡si (1586-1878) : otkrivaneto na edna narodnost |date=2013 |publisher=Tangra TanNakRa |others=Marieta Glukharova |isbn=978-954-378-106-5 |edition=1. izd |location=Sofii͡a |oclc=1062162833}}</ref> In a register from 1792, Sliven [[Sanjak]] is mentioned for the first time. Many Sliven residents participated in the [[Greek War of Independence]]. Hadzi Hristo was made a general and took the lead of the troops of Bulgarians, Albanians and Greeks, and was later elected to the Greek parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Every crucial battle in the Greek War of Independence involved Bulgarians |url=http://www.grreporter.info/en/every_crucial_battle_greek_war_independence_involved_bulgarians/11010 |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=grreporter.info}}</ref> The inhabitants of the town also supported the [[Brăila]] revolt, [[Crimean War]] and participated in the [[Second Bulgarian Legion]].

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829, the troops of General [[Hans Karl von Diebitsch]] entered Sliven. Continuous massacres of the Muslim population and desecration of mosques were made, involving both Bulgarian and Russian soldiers and local residents.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Doĭnov |first1=Stefan |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/63519471 |title=Bŭlgarite v Ukraĭna i Moldova prez Vŭzrazhdaneto (1751-1878) |last2=Дойнов |first2=Стефан. |date=2005 |publisher=Akademichno izdatelstvo "Marin Drinov" |isbn=954-322-019-0 |edition=1. izd |location=Sofii︠a︡ |pages=86 |oclc=63519471}}</ref> The first Russian consulate was opened here in April 1830.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Doĭnov |first1=Stefan |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/63519471 |title=Bŭlgarite v Ukraĭna i Moldova prez Vŭzrazhdaneto (1751-1878) |last2=Дойнов |first2=Стефан. |date=2005 |publisher=Akademichno izdatelstvo "Marin Drinov" |isbn=954-322-019-0 |edition=1. izd |location=Sofii︠a︡ |pages=101 |oclc=63519471}}</ref> After the withdrawal of the Russian troops, more than 15,000 people from the town and surrounding villages were displaced to southern Russia, Bessarabia and Wallachia, while only 2,000-3,000 Bulgarians remained in the town.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Doĭnov |first1=Stefan |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/63519471 |title=Bŭlgarite v Ukraĭna i Moldova prez Vŭzrazhdaneto (1751-1878) |last2=Дойнов |first2=Стефан. |date=2005 |publisher=Akademichno izdatelstvo "Marin Drinov" |isbn=954-322-019-0 |edition=1. izd |location=Sofii︠a︡ |pages=109 |oclc=63519471}}</ref> With this, Sliven suffered a severe demographic and economic blow, which blunted the momentum of its former development.

During the [[Bulgarian National Revival]], Sliven emerged as an important trade, craft and cultural centre. The town was divided into residential, commercial and craft and administrative parts. Through the efforts of [[Dobri Chintulov]] and other Sliven notables, the Zora Community Centre was founded in 1860. The founder of the Bulgarian theatrical work was the Sliven-born public and cultural worker [[Sava Dobroplodni]], who wrote the first play in Bulgarian history - "Mihal Mishkoed". In 1843, the first textile industrial enterprise in the Ottoman Empire was established in Sliven, with [[Dobri Zhelyazkov]] as its head. In 1864 a second one was opened, and in 1872 tobacco and spirit factories were established.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Добри Желязков отхвърлил исляма и останал без фабрика |url=https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/137105 |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=www.24chasa.bg |language=en}}</ref>

The inhabitants of Sliven became actively involved in the national church struggle. In 1859, the people of Sliven expelled the Greek bishop, and the Diocese of Sliven entered the borders of the [[Bulgarian Exarchate]] established on 28 February 1870. The first spiritual leader of the diocese was Metropolitan Seraphim of Sliven.

During the [[April Uprising of 1876|April Uprising]], Sliven was the centre of the Second Revolutionary District. Battles were fought near the town during the Russo-Turkish Liberation War of 1877-1878 which in return burnt 800 shops and 100 houses in the town centre. Metropolitan Seraphim is particularly credited with saving Sliven and a number of settlements and [[Chiflik|chifliks]] in the region from complete destruction. Sliven was liberated by Russian troops on 16 January 1878.

In the 19th century, the town was a district centre and was one of the largest towns in Bulgaria with a population of over 20,000. The majority were Bulgarians. For a short period a centre of a department in the autonomous province of [[Eastern Rumelia]] before its inclusion in the [[Principality of Bulgaria]] in 1885.

=== Modern history ===
At the municipal elections in September 1911, the [[Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party (Broad Socialists)|Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party]] won the most seats, but failed to take over the municipality until August 1912, when Dr. Yordan Danchev was elected mayor. The party won elections again in 1915 and 1919. A welfare bureau, a labor bureau, and municipal housing for the homeless were established. Binding regulations were issued on relations between workers and employers on wages, on weekends and holidays. The administration was dissolved on 31 January 1923 by a decision of the [[BZNS]]-dominated Sliven District Court. 

During the [[First World War]] it was the site of the [[Sliven prisoner of war camp]], the largest such camp in the country. It was the place of internment for Greek and Serbian civilians and soldiers, with peak numbers of 19,000.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Pissari |first=Milovan |date=2013 |title=Bulgarian Crimes against Civilians in Occupied Serbia during the First World War|url=http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-7653/2013/0350-76531344357P.pdf|journal=Balcanica |publisher=Institute for Balkan Studies  |issue=44 |pages=357–390 |doi=10.2298/BALC1344357P |access-date=8 May 2016|doi-access=free }}</ref>

From the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Bulgaria in the late 19th century until the [[People's Republic of Bulgaria|beginning of the socialist economy]] in 1945, the industry was concentrated in the northern parts of the city. The new Socialist government gradually began to consolidate the existing factories and built new ones, with industry concentrating around the newly built station. At some point the industrial workforce numbered 20,000, 1/2 of whom were in textile production - wool and cotton textiles. The second most important is the food industry and the third is the machine building industry (ZMM - Sliven, Dinamo Plant, etc.).

As one of the most significant cultural centres during the Bulgarian National Revival, with much of its old heritage still preserved and enriched, modern Sliven offers to its citizens and visitors a lot of opportunities for cultural life. It served as the birthplace of many prominent Bulgarians, including [[Hadzhi Dimitar]], [[Dobri Chintulov]], [[Ivan Seliminski]]. Another notable native is [[Anton Pann]] who composed the [[Romania]]n national anthem. Another notable resident is [[Yordan Letchkov]], whose goal in the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]] eliminated defending champion Germany. Letchkov was mayor of Sliven from 2003 to 2011.
{{Wide image|Sliven Panorama.jpg|1600px}}

== Politics ==
Mayors from [[Bulgarian Socialist Party]] have been in charge of Sliven Municipality in the period 1990–1991, 1999–2003 and 2011–2015. For his second term (2007–2011), Yordan Letchkov was nominated by [[GERB]]. Since 2015, Stefan Radev is the mayor of Sliven Municipality. In the local elections in [[2015 Bulgarian local elections|2011]] and [[2019 Bulgarian local elections|2019]], he was nominated by GERB (he won in 2019). Hristin Petkov was mayor of the SDS from 1991 to 1995.

In the 2011 local elections, the BSP candidate (and non-member of the party) General Kolyo Milev won in the second round with 52.94% of the votes counted against the GERB candidate (also non-member) Yordan Letchkov.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-03 |title=Избор на кмет и общински съвет :: Избори 2011 |url=http://results.cik.bg/tur2/mestni/2127.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103001158/http://results.cik.bg/tur2/mestni/2127.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-01-03 |access-date=2023-01-18 }}</ref>

Since 2015, the mayor of Sliven has been Stefan Radev, nominated by PP GERB (2015 and 2019), re-elected with 64.75% in the second round of local elections in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Резултати :: Местни избори 27 октомври 2019 |url=https://results.cik.bg/mi2019/tur2/rezultati/2020.html |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=results.cik.bg}}</ref> On 11 November 2019, he officially took office.

== Economy ==
The economy of Sliven has centered around industry since the early 19th century. In 1834, [[Dobri Zhelyazkov]] established the first factory in Bulgarian lands, thus starting industrial development in Bulgaria. Sliven was one of the largest industrial centers in Bulgaria, playing an important role during the [[Bulgarian National Revival]]. It has long-lived traditions in textiles, machine-building, glass-making, chemical production, and the technical and food industries.

Following the beginning of communist rule in Bulgaria in 1944, most industries were nationalized and much industrial building and development was spurred. Industry continued to develop until the fall of communism, at which point much of the previously built industry stagnated; many plants and factories were shut down and there was little development.

In contemporary times, Sliven has experienced a surge in economy with increased investment, banking establishments and new industries have begun to emerge. The dairy industry, which has long been present, continues to grow and thrive. The wine industry, with companies such as [[Bulgarian wine|Vinprom]] and Vini Sliven and about a dozen others, continues to grow as grapes are easily grown due to the climate conditions. In terms of heavy industry, the city produces electric lights and electrical machines. The city has also become notorious as a source of young girls who are trafficked into the sex industry.

Light industry in Sliven is mostly devoted to textiles with many companies making wool clothing, socks, and food.

In 2024, it was reported that a gang based in Sliven had been receiving up to £200 million annually in fraudulent welfare payments from the British government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolton |first=Will |date=2024-05-28 |title=The Bulgarian town that boomed from UK’s biggest benefits fraud |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/28/bulgarian-town-boomed-from-uks-biggest-benefits-fraud/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

== Transportation ==
There is a military airport in the town, the [[Sliven Airfield]].

The city has a trolleybus system which opened in 1986.

== Culture ==
[[File:Dramatic Theatre Sliven .jpg|thumb|Drama Theatre <nowiki>''Stefan Kirov''</nowiki>]]

=== Theatres ===
When the first theatre stage was opened, theatre traditions began in Sliven 140 years ago. In 1918 the first professional theatre troupe was established in the community centre "Zora". At present the Stefan Kirov Drama Theatre is a state theatre. The new building of the theatre was built in 1986 and has a large hall (484 seats), a chamber hall (121 seats), a ballet hall, a spacious lobby on two levels with a bar for spectators, an administrative part. In 2008 the theatre celebrated its 90th anniversary.

The State Puppet Theatre – Sliven<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Site of Puppet Theatre ''Sliven'' |url=http://puppets-sliven.eu/about/sliven-state-puppet-theater/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=puppets-sliven.eu |language=en-US}}</ref> was established in 1961 (then an amateur theatre, since 1971 a state theatre), it is located in the renovated in the 1980s building of the former cinema "Balkan".

=== Museums ===
[[File:19-20th-century-lifstile-museum.jpg|thumb|The house museum of the Sliven lifestyle]]
* Simeon Tabakov Regional History Museum<ref>{{Citation |title=Регионален исторически музей в град Сливен |url=http://museum.sliven.net/index.php?lang=bg |accessdate=2017-03-08 |archivedate=2018-02-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215225356/http://museum.sliven.net/index.php?lang=bg }}</ref>
* Hadzhi Dimitar House Museum<ref>{{Citation |title=Къща музей "Хаджи Димитър" |url=http://www.museum.sliven.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214&Itemid=741&lang=bg |accessdate=2017-03-08 |archivedate=2015-11-13 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113171440/http://www.museum.sliven.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214&Itemid=741&lang=bg }}</ref>
* National Museum of Textile Industry
* Dobri Chintulov House Museum<ref>{{Citation |title=Къща музей "Добри Чинтулов" |url=http://www.museum.sliven.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=215&Itemid=742&lang=bg |accessdate=2017-03-08 |archivedate=2016-08-18 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818072122/http://museum.sliven.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=215&Itemid=742&lang=bg }}</ref>
* The House Museum of 19th Century Sliven Urban Life<ref>{{Citation |title=Къща музей на сливенския градски бит от XIX век |url=http://www.museum.sliven.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=216&Itemid=743&lang=bg |accessdate=2017-03-08 |archivedate=2016-08-18 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818191356/http://museum.sliven.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=216&Itemid=743&lang=bg }}</ref>

=== The Old Elm ===
[[The Old Elm]] which grows in the city center, is a tree of the species of [[Field elm]] ([[Ulmus glabra]]), and is about 1300 years old, it is declared a protected site. It is a remnant of the [[Great Bulgarian Forest]], which stretched from the [[Rhodope Mountains]] to the [[Black Sea]]. About 20 such elms remain in the village of [[Samuilovo, Sliven Province|Samuilovo]], 7 km from Sliven. All of them have been declared protected sites. The cavities are filled with reinforcing filler and have been left openings for natural ventilation to stop rotting processes or breedings of microorganisms. The tree was used by the Ottoman Turks to hang captured [[hajduk]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Символи на Сливен |url=http://reglibsliven.iradeum.com/sliven/sliven_symbols_bg.htm |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=reglibsliven.iradeum.com}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Сайт на Федерация на природозащитни сдружения "Зелени Балкани" |url=http://www.greenbalkans.org/category.php?language=bg_BG&cat_id=87 |accessdate=2011-03-13 |archivedate=2011-08-19 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819214955/http://www.greenbalkans.org/category.php?language=bg_BG&cat_id=87 }}</ref>

=== Fortress Tuida ===
[[File:Clock-tower-of-Sliven.jpg|thumb|Sliven clock tower, built 1808]]
Tuida was an early Byzantine and medieval fortress, the remains of which are located on the hill of Hisarlaka in the northeastern part of Sliven, which offers a unique view of the "Sinite kamani" and the city (the hill is located near the "Novo Selo" quarter). It is part of the old mountain fortification system, which played an extremely important role in the defence of the Roman Empire, and later of the early Byzantine Empire, as well as the medieval Bulgarian state.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120724051512/http://www.bgizlet.com/index.php?Itemid=93&id=275&option=com_content&view=article Bgizlet] </ref> After some interruption, archaeological excavations of the fortress began again in 2004. The aim of the excavations is the final study and conservation of the architectural and archaeological monuments, and the exposure of the fortress with a view to making it one of the city's notable tourist attractions.<ref>{{Citation |title=www.bulgariancastles.com |url=http://www.bulgariancastles.com/bulgariancastles/SMF/index.php?topic=152.0 |accessdate=2011-03-13 |archivedate=2011-07-04 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704160713/http://www.bulgariancastles.com/bulgariancastles/SMF/index.php?PHPSESSID=87068eb9d54e8a441859cb8d58f8b502&topic=152.0 }}</ref><ref>[http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=79008 Крепостта Туида], dariknews.bg, 7 август 2006 г.</ref><ref>Тони Баев, [http://www.journey.bg/bulgaria/bulgaria.php?guide=759 Културно-историческо наследство на Сливен]</ref><ref>[http://www.kaminata.net/topic-t41369.html За град Сливен в] kaminata.net {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913193853/http://www.kaminata.net/topic-t41369.html |date=2011-09-13 }}, 15 декември 2009 г.</ref>

=== The old clock tower ===
The old clock tower is located in the centre of Sliven, built in 1808. In 1936, a strong storm destroyed the upper wooden part, which was rebuilt about sixty years later in its original 19th century form

=== Sinite Kamani ===
[[File:Панорама Карандила.jpg|thumb|View to Sinite Kamani]]

The [[Sinite Kamani Nature Park]] is located in the Eastern [[Balkan Mountains]] just north of Sliven. It was declared a nature (then national) park in 1980. The park covers an area of 11 380 hectares, representing springs, peaks, rocks, forests and meadows. The highest point of the nature park is the peak of Bulgarka (1181 m). The local flora and fauna is represented by various species, some of which are included in the [[Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria|Red Book of Bulgaria]].

==Notable people==
* [[Aleksandar Kraychev]], Olympic silver medalist
* [[Anton Pann]]
* [[Azis]]
* [[Damyan Damyanov (poet)|Damyan Damyanov]]
* [[Dobri Chintulov]]
* [[Dobri Zhelyazkov]]
* [[Desislava Bozhilova]]
* [[Georgi Dinev]] 
* {{Ill|Georgi Kalaydzhiev|bg|Георги Калайджиев (цигулар)}} (violinist)
* [[Hadzhi Dimitar]]
* {{Ill|Ivan Slavov|bg|Иван Славов (философ)}} (philosopher)
* [[Jordan Malinovski|Janis Rozitis]]
* [[Jordan Malinovski]]
* [[Julia Kristeva]]
* [[Kamen Tchanev]]
* {{Ill|Kevork Kevorkyan|bg|Кеворк Кеворкян}}
* [[:bg:%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD %D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2|Konstantin Konstantinov]]
* [[Margarita Hranova]]
* [[Norair Nurikyan]], two-time Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting
* [[Radoi Ralin]]
* [[Sava Dobroplodni]]
* [[Sirak Skitnik]]
* [[Stanka Pencheva]]
* [[Stanka Zlateva]]
* {{Ill|Vasil Vasilev-Zueka|bg|Васил Василев – Зуека}}
* [[Violeta Gindeva]]
* [[Yordan Letchkov]]


== See also ==
* [[List of cities in Bulgaria]]
* [[Upper Thrace]]

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Bulgaria}}
Sliven is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Градове-партньори|url=https://www.sliven.bg/gradove-partniori|website=sliven.bg|publisher=Sliven|language=bg|accessdate=2021-04-02}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Alba Iulia]], Romania
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Chongqing]], China
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Gera]], Germany
*{{flagicon|JOR}} [[Jerash]], Jordan
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Kaisariani]], Greece
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Melitopol]], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Pécs]], Hungary
*{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Svietlahorsk]], Belarus
*{{flagicon|MDA}} [[Taraclia]], Moldova
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Tekirdağ]], Turkey
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Ternopil]], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Voronezh]], Russia
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Bydgoszcz]], Poland
{{div col end}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="160" heights="160">
File:Municipality of Sliven Photo.jpg|Municipality Hall
File:Sliven regional library Sava Dobroplodni - 2.jpg|Regional Library Sava Dobroplodni
File:Художествена галерия "Димитър Добрович".jpg|Gallery Dimitar Dobrovich
File:Textile-factory-Sliven.jpg|Museum of Textile
File:19-20th-century-lifstile-museum.jpg|Lifestyle Museum
File:Туида18062016.jpg|Remains of the fortress Tuida with the Sinite Kamani in the background
File:Tecsliven.jpg|TPP Sliven
File:Chitalishte Zora, Sliven.jpg|Chitalishte Zora
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Sliven}}
{{wikivoyage|Sliven}}
*{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Sliven |volume=25 |short=x}}
* [http://www.snimka.bg/album.php?album_id=5316 Digital photos from Sliven]
* [http://www.sliven.bg Official site of Sliven Municipality]
* [http://www.sliven.net Sliven.net]
* [http://www.regionsliven.org RegionSliven.org]
* [http://www.sliven.government.bg Sliven.government.bg]
* [http://sliven.start.bg/ Sliven.start.bg]

{{coord|42|41|N|26|20|E|display=title}}

{{Cities of Bulgaria}}
{{Sliven Province}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sliven| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Sliven Province]]
[[Category:Romani communities in Bulgaria]]