The Trade Fairs of Plovdiv       

Sprawling over seven hills in the south-central area in Bulgaria is a city older even than Carthage and Constantinople-Plovdiv.

Plovdiv lies about 95 miles from Bulgaria`s capital city, Sofia, and is located by the Maritsa River. It is a multicultural city due in part to its history. At one time the city was a Thracian settlement by the name of Eumolpias, then it was ruled over by the Macedonians, and later the Romans gained control of the city. And, as Romans did, such buildings as baths, a stadium, and even an amphitheater were added. It was the Romans who, in fact, changed the name to Trimontium, as at that time as a smaller place the Roman part lay on three hills. The restored amphitheater is used today for events like classical drama, operas, and concerts which are performed in the open air.

After Rome`s decline, Slavic peoples settled into the area. Crusaders looted the town on a number of occasions, then in the 14th century the Turks took control. They renamed the city Philibe. The Turks` rule lasted around 500 years, until in 1878 the Russians defeated Turkey, and that was when the name was changed to Plovdiv.

Although originally there were seven hills, or tepes, only six now remain. Markovo Tepe was demolished as the city grew, around 100 years ago.

It was in 1892 when Plovdiv hosted the First Bulgarian Agricultural and Industrial Exposition. Now called International Fair Plovdiv, various trade fairs are held for several months of the year.

Here are some examples of some of the exhibitions taking place during 2009.

`Vinaria`-International Exhibition of Vine-Growing and Wine Producing Wine Festival. Bulgaria is a wine producer, though not as widely known as some other countries.

A `Gourmet Zone` is a new event, open to producers and importers of high quality products related to wine.

For the outdoors, `Nature, Hunting, Fishing` is where companies, institutions and specialists involved in activities related to forestry, game and fish farming, cultivation of nature and protection of the reserves.

Exhibitors at `Flower Spring` are able to promote their products on gardening-related subjects as flower care and what type of seedlings, seeds or bulbs to choose.

Outdoor Living topics includes the `Boats & Sports` Expo with exhibits of yachts, boats and equipment.

There`s also the `International Agricultural Exhibition` (AGRA), which focuses on local and overseas agribusiness.
                                                         

Overall, Plovdiv has managed to survive the changes in nations which have had control of it, and has adapted well to the needs of modern-day civilization. Almost 400,000 people from a number of nationalities live in this city, and since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 greater freedom has meant more movement both from and to Plovdiv.







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