Arda and Studen Kladenets Reservoir

The Arda is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. It then enters the Maritsa (Greek: Έβρος, Evros) just west of Edirne, Turkey. The portion in Bulgaria is accented by three hydroelectric and irrigation dams, Kardzhali Dam, Studen Kladenets and Ivaylovgrad Dam, and is 241 km long, making the Arda the longest river in the Rhodopes. The medieval Dyavolski most arch bridge crosses the river 10 km from Ardino.
The three floods of February 18, 2005, when the water level was at 4.8 m, March 1 and March 7, 2005 flooded the low lying areas, especially in the Kastanies area which turned the area into a lagoon. The merging of the waters of the Maritsa (Evros/Meriç) caused streets and buildings including homes to be flooded and people to be stranded in their homes.
Arda Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Arda River.Studen Kladenets Reservoir

The Studen Kladenets Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in Bulgaria. It is situated on the river Arda, and is created behind the Studen Kladenets dam, 30 km south-east of the town of Kardzhali. There are another two dams of the Arda - Kardzhali Dam to the west (upstream) and Ivaylovgrad Dam to the east (downstream).
The reservoir has a total volume of 489 million m3 and a drainage basin of 3,706 km² and is 29 km long. It is situated at an average 227 m above sea level, its dam being 338 m long and 67.5 m high. The top of the dam consists of nine spillways, each one being 10.5 by 5 m. "Studen Kladenets" Hydroelectric Power Plant is situated appr. 1 km downstream of the dam. The HPP has four Francis-type turbines, 15 MW each. There is undergoing project for reconstruction and upgrading the HPP with another 16 MW turbine and a smaller eco-turbine and after the completion of the project the total output will reach 85 MW with annual production of 165 GWh of electricity.
Studen Kladenets reservoir is an attractive place for fishermen, where rudd is caught in great numbers. Studen Kladenets is Bulgarian for "a cold well".History
The initial plans for the construction of a dam on the Arda date to as early as 1948. Construction began in 1955 and was completed in 1957. The HPP started production in 1958.

3:50 AM | 0 comments |

TRANSPORT

The road network density is about 31 km /100 sq. km. The municipality is being served by the 1st class road Haskovo – Кardzhali. There exists a well-developed 4th class road network. It is foreseen that the Pan-European Transport Corridor №9 “Helsinki – Alexandrupolis” will pass through the Municipality. Foreseen is also the opening of a new border checkpoint “Makaza” at the frontier with the Republic of Greece, this checkpoint will be 55 km south from the town of Kardzhali.

The development of the road network in the municipality is below the average level typical for the country as a whole. This is a result of the mountainous features of the area and also because of population’s flow to particular densely populated centres. Predominant is the 4th -class road-network. The roads in the municipality are in a bad state, and it is typical especially of the roads leading to the smaller villages of the Municipality.

The transport connections with Sofia and the other parts of the country are being realized through railroad transport and motorways. There also exists a fully-equipped landing area which, however, is not used for the time being.

”Tempotransport” OOD was founded in the year 1989. Its main activity includes: heavy-freight motor transport, trade with petrol products and motor parts, and lorry repair. The company has its own garage areas, and the lorries have a transporting capacity of 10 to 25 tones. ”Tempotransport” OOD carries out transport services to Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Russia, Ukraine.
The investment programme of the company includes renovation of the car fleet, organization activities concerning the terminal, and shipping activity.

“Arpezos bus” EOOD was founded in the year 1960 and since then it provides the major bus transport service in the region. Main activities include: bus transport, motor transport in the country and abroad, maintenance and repair of transport vehicles, trade activities in the country and abroad as well as training of people who carry out transport services.

The future strategy of the company foresees gradual renovation of the bus parking and improving the range of the offered services.“ARZ Cap. Petko Voivoda” OOD is specialized in carrying out repair works of lorries and trucks of the KrAZ , MAZ , and KAMAZ type. It has its own motor fleet / dumpers, cisterns and others / with the help of which it carries out transport activity as well.

3:31 AM | 0 comments |

SIGHTS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THE TERRITORY OF KARDZHALI MUNICIPALITY -

The “Carangil” cave -The village of Shiroko pole. The cave is formed in limestone rocks, it is a three-storey cave, 650 m deep. It is a habitat of different kinds of bats. It is the only habitat in the world of the Centromerus milleri spider.

The caves “ Inikler ” / “ The Stremtsi labyrinths ” -The village of Stremtsi .Well-preserved gold mine galleries / І-ІІІ century AD, Roman /. Total length of 460 m. The galleries resemble labyrinths and that is the reason why they are called so.

The “Snowflakes” caves .The village of Snejinka / below the village of Dajdovnitsa /
The 7 caves are located under the Medieval fortress Hasara. The biggest one is 110m long and reaches the fortress by forming a secret entrance.

The “Tilkin” cave .The village of Opalchentsi .It is formed over a rock crown, total length of 125m. It was inhabited in the ancient times. It is the only habitat of the blind cave beetle in the whole world.

The “ Karabekirova ” cave .The village of Gluhar .It is formed over a rock crown above Varbitsa River. The cave had been dwelled in by primitive people during the Neolithic period .

The “Brajlyanina” cave .The village of Visoka Polyana
It is located near “Hisara” fortress. A habitat of bats.

“Fist rock” protected area .The village of Kaloyantsi .Protected species of animals and plants / black stork , Egyptian vulture, big hawk , white-tail buzzard, kite, peregrine falcon, chukar partridge, owl, European roller , Eurasian Crag-Martin, red-rumped swallow, black-eared wheater, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush , blue rock thrush, sub-alpine warbler, rock nuthatch, masked shrike as well as the typical of the Eastern Rhodopes rocks and forest habitats .

“Middle Arda” protected area
The village of Zvezdelina and the village of Visoka polyana
Protected species of animals and plants / Egyptian and griffon vulture, white-tail buzzard, black stork, rock nuthatch, blue rock trush, chukar partridge, bat communities. A significant landscape.
The protected area – habitat of the Maiden-hair fern (Adiantum capillus veneris)

“Kyosh Dere” bridge -westward from the town of Kardzhali; 0.5 km away from the mouth of Arda River
The habitat covers a territory of about 1 km of the left, higher and rocky bank of River Arda . The plant is listed in the Bulgarian Protected Species Red Book.
Protected Area – habitat of Lathrea rhodopaea
Along the flow of River Perperek, between the village of Perperek and the village of Svatbare
The plant is a Balkan endemite, it is listed in the Bulgarian Protected Species Red Book. The habitat occupies an area of 17 decares, small groups of Lathrea rhodopaea.

Natural attraction “The Pyramids of Kardzhali ” (“The Stone Wedding ”)
The village of Zimzelen – eastward from the town of Kardzhali
“The Pyramids of Kardzhali” are interesting, strange formations of riolythic tuffs in various shapes on the area of 50 decares. Their various colours – pink, yellow, rusty-red etc. - are result of the manganic, ferrous and other metallic acids.

“Stone Mushrooms” natural attraction
The village of Beli plast
Their origin is similar to the one of the “Pyramids of Kardzhali”. The formations resemble the forms of mushrooms . They cover an area of abound 30 decares.

“Rock Window” Natural attraction

The village of Kostino “Kostinsko dere” bridge
Rock formations

The monastery of “ St. John the Precursor ” / ” St. Joan the Baptist ”
The town of Kardzhali “Veselchane” residential district
A restored Medieval monastery complex dating back to the 9th – 14th century. A cleric’s remains as well as his symbols and materials /gold-woven shroud/ had been found in a preserved tomb which is located in the narthex of the church. The church is restored and some of the wall-paintings are preserved. It exists and functions nowadays.

The Thracian Fortress
The village of Ivantsi “Television tower” bridge
A Thracian fortress – VІІ – І century B.C.
The Medieval Episcopate
The village of Nenkovo “ Asara ” bridge
A late ancient and Medieval fortified episcopate dating back to ІV – ХІV century. It is near the town of Kardzhali next to the creek of River Borovitsa.
The Thracian Rock Niches
The village of Dajdovnitsa The village of Nenkovo
Vertically chiseled rock niches, all having different depths and cult purpose. The Thracian niches near the village of Dajdovnitsa are near the “Rock window” natural attraction in the village of Kostino
Thracian fortress and rock niches
The village of Lisitsite
A Thracian fortress dating back to ІV – І century B.C near this sight is “ Dambali ” peak which is a present sanctuary.

The Fortress of “Hyperperacion” /”Perperikon”/ and Thracian king`s palace / residency /
The village of Gorna krepost ” Asara “ bridge
A Medieval fortress dating back to VІ – ХІV century. Under the old fortress there was discovered a Thracian king`s palace with sanctuaries dating back to ІV – ІІІ century B.C . This sacred Thracian palace is a unique archaeological finding which has a universal value.

The fortress of “Mneakos” / “Monyak”
The village of Shiroko pole “Hasar ala” bridge
A Medieval fortress – ХІ – ХІV century

The fortresses of “Hisara”
The village of Vishegrad
A late ancient and Medieval fortress / IV – XIV century/ is discovered in the “Hisar yustyu” area. In the “Harman kaya” area was discovered a Thracian fortress / ІV – І century /

3:13 AM | 0 comments |

How did Kardzhali receive its name?

There are numerous myths and stories about Kirdzha Ali – an ordinary person, a commander and a saint, whose name the town of Kardzhali has received. Old people state that the native town of Kirdzha Ali is Buhara or Alanya which is a port in Konya region. In the Almanac of the Odrin Vilayet, in 1310 by Hidjra (year 1892) a legend was translated and according to this legend when The Turks аttacked the Rhodope Mountains during the reign of Sultan Murad I ( 1360-1389 ) the commander of the army was Kirdzha Ali. He was killed during one of the battles and the new town received his name. It is not easy to give a name to a new town, nor is it to give any other name.
Without doubt Kardzha Ali must have been a great person, who was far above the level of the people he lived with, a person who was far more competent, with great authority, ostensible, loved and esteemed as well. That was the reason why after his death people decided to call the town by his name. And this has eternalized Kirdzha Ali, no matter what kind of person he was. There still lies the question whether the town starts existing after Kirdzha Ali`s death or it existed even before that event and he just left his name to the town. However, we observe that it is more important to know how the town came into being. Let us see how legends present Kardzha Ali:
Тhe legend about Kirdzha Ali Gazi
In one of Buhara`s clerical schools, which was an old scientific and arts center in Middle Asia, the former Uzbek USSR, there studied а certain Ali. He was remarkable for his great memory and was also loved by his classmates as well as by the imam who was his teacher. When Ali grew up, he became naughtier and became so fond of hunting that he did not come home all day long. Many times the imam advised him not wander in the woods and instead of this he advised him to study his clerical duties. Ali promised to do so, but once the lessons were over he took his gun again and went straight hunting.
The innumerable pieces of advice that the imam gave him did not work and so he decided to exercise his influence on Ali in some other way. The imam was a great wizard. He traced Ali as he once went hunting. While Ali was trying to aim carefully at a rabbit, the imam kept a close watch on him while hiding behind the tree. Ali killed the rabbit, but he was very surprised to see his imam lying killed instead of the rabbit. Terrified, Ali ran straight to school. However, the moment he entered the yard he saw his teacher washing quite calmly at the fountain. Ali took a deep breath and thought that this vision was a result of the fear he feels for his teacher, because of the frequent remarks of the imam. The next day when they started classes, the imam fixed his eyes upon Ali and asked:
"Stand up! Tell us where you were yesterday." "I studied with my classmates ", answered Ali timidly." Then who aimed at his imam in the woods and killed him instead of the rabbit?" Ali started trembling with fear, while the imam went on:"Do not even try to think of telling me lies. The one that you killed was me, but here I am all alive, standing right in front of you. And remember, next time do not try to tell lies. Now, sit down. You are not a student any more, you are a kirdzhi. "Students started laughing, while Ali died broken-hearted. He couldn’t answer anything, but as it grew dark he went to his Imam, knelt and begged for his pardon:" I`ll never go hunting again. Forgive me and do not exclude me from school, because my parents will be very sad about this. I'm their only son. Take mercy on me." From then on, Ali served as a model pupil, but all this was of no importance, for he had already lost his good name and everyone used to call him “Kirdzhi, Kirdzhi Ali " . There was nothing that could help Ali regain his former good name and reputation. And once again he started wandering in the woods without listening to the words of the people. The moment he felt that he was free, he took the gun and ran straight hunting. Ali was well-built, slender and very handsome. His inquisitiveness was also added to his attractive appearance. He studied hard and received excellent marks in all subjects. And because of that even the imam himself did not reprove him, but just acted as if he did not notice went hunting. It was already a time when Turkey had conquered Odrin (1363) and continued its military campaigns over the Balkan peninsula. All volunteers for the Battles of Faith had to be gathered. And when they came to the school in Buhara for volunteers, the Imam addressed Ali and told him: "Kirdzhi Ali, now show me how brave you are. You made me angry by not taking my advice when I told you not to go to the woods. I cannot hide it. I counted the times you went out in order to wander and that was the reason why I called you Kirdzhi. It is not a big deal to kill rabbits or to hit the target, this is not a deed of heroism indeed. Now let me see how brave you are and tell me will you be a volunteer? ""Yes, I will. I'm ready ", answered Ali."Well, then, go ahead and I hope that you’ll become famous in the military campaign. I would like to give you a hearty welcome one day when you become a hero, and not only I, but all your classmates as well", said the imam. There were many volunteers from Buhara, but even during the very first days Ali attracted the attention of his commanders through his unique courage and his wild nature. They started assigning him responsible missions which Kirdzhi Ali carried out perfectly. Even here people continued calling him Kirdzhi Ali and his name was notorious. He achieved distinction among the rest of the soldiers in the battle and was always on the front line. Thus, he succeeded in becoming a commander. Kirdzhi Ali excited respect and worship everywhere. He spoke sensibly which, on the other hand, inspired his soldiers. To some extent he knew history as well and this was the reason why his speeches were very fascinating. He became famous for the fаct that he was an orator. In a few years he became famous and reached the rank of a colonel. It was his soldiers that drifted like a gale and won one battle after another. Kirdzhi Ali was always first in the battle. It was a complete miracle that he was never wounded. To his soldiers he was like a brother and they loved him like a brother. Never did Ali sit to eat if his soldiers were hungry and didn’t have a place to sleep. His regiment was already famous when they reached the Rhodopes. The wonderful Rhodope forests impressed Ali. After the campaign was over he decided to remain in these lands and preach to the ones who came immediately after the army and who settled in the nicest deserted villages whose inhabitants had been slaughtered or chased away. While preaching in various villages, Kirdzhi Ali awaited his own old ages. Many of his soldiers also decided to stay in these lands. Wherever he went, he instructed the newly-come colonizers, but in the meantime he did not forget to go hunting. Sometimes he would organize whole shooting parties and the hunting activity would turn into a great festivity. A great many days they wandered in the Rhodope forests, amused themselves, ate and drank sherbet, thumped drums and timbals till they could eat and drink no more. The Turkish colonists worshipped Kirdzhi Ali. Anything was impossible without him – even in the civil life he was again first. He rode a nice wild horse and he was always armed, even while preaching. Whenever he mounted on his wild horse, everyone sighed in surprise, for Kirdzhi Ali was a good-looking man and on the horse he looked even more handsome. Kirdzhi Ali got too old. One morning people found him dead. Thousands of Turks from the newly conquered villages gathered because of this event. They buried him in the meadow where he was found dead. Some of his former soldiers loved him to such an extent that they decided to build their houses near his grave and so stay around their unforgettable leader and preacher. Day after day, around these houses, other small houses started appearing as well. When these houses reached the number of 25-30, the oldest of these Turks asked the rest of the people what name they should give to this village. They did not think too long and all at once cried out loud that this village should receive the name of their courageous leader Kirdzhi Ali. " Let its name be Kirdzhi Ali from now on and let it be mentioned by people from all ages, for the glory and heroism of the bold commander from Buhara, let this village become famous and let it grow and become a town one day." This information was given by Halim Effendi, one of Sultan Abdul Hamid`s teachers. While rummaging through the library shelves in Istanbul, he stumbled across this story about Ali from Buhara and as he was also a native of Kardzhali, he reported what he had read in the Turkish chronicles and in this way the story was brought to our native region from doctor Sadik – the first doctor to live here. To this, whether a legend or a real event, we shall add the note about Kirdzhi Ali which was written in the Almanac of the Odrin Valiyet dating back to year 1892, where on page 316 we read: " Although there does not exist another information about the conquest of the town of Kardzhali, according to Turkish chronicles this is thought to have happened during the reign of Murad I. After Gyumyurdzhina`s fall, next came Rhodope villages` turn. Another fact states that one of Murad`s commanders by the name of Kirdzhi Ali had fought on these territories. Here most of the villages had been destroyed by fire, Kirdzhi Ali rebuilt them and named one of these villages after his name. That is how the small town of Kirdzhi Ali has been founded in the Eastern Rhodopes ".

3:06 AM | 0 comments |

Hotels in Kardzhali

Hotel Kardjali -Booking information +359 - (0)361 / 82354 +359 - (0)361 / 82355. Hotel “Kardjali” with central heating and Air conditioner offers you:
28 rooms, which are: 9 apartments, 2 studios with djakuzi, 12 double rooms, 5 single rooms;
Cosy restaurant, with rich menu, capacity:50-60 seats; comfortable for collective visits;

Coneference hall with modern and technical equipment;

Lobby bar;Modern fitness, aerobics with instructor;

Infra-red sauna, which heals arthritis, ill articulation;

Sauna; Steam bathroom with aromatherapy.

Extras and amenities
Hotel Kardjali, Kardzhali offers you the following amenities:

parking lot, fitness centre, sauna, safety deposit box, room service, conference hall, lobby bar, steam bath, TV set, cable television, air conditioning, mini-bar, phone, internet, laundry, iron, currency exchange, access for disabled
Map


Hotel Arpezos

Booking information
+359 - (0)361 / 60200 +359 - (0)361 / 60234


Description
Hotel Arpezos, Kardzhali offers 109 beds in total.

Hotel Arpezos is a three-star hotel having a central location in Kardzhali. The overall capacity is 140 beds. It is especially suitable for organizing conferences and seminars as well as family gatherings and celebrations or business meetings.
Extras and amenities
Hotel Arpezos, Kardzhali offers you the following amenities:

parking lot, restaurant, night bar, fitness centre, tour guide, security, sauna, barbeque, conference hall, lobby bar, cafe, TV set, cable television, air conditioning, heating, mini-bar, phone, internet, bathroom/toilet, iron, hair-dryer, laundry, ironing, c. card payment, business sevices

Hotel Perperikon

Booking information
+359 - (0)361 / 67140

Description
Hotel Perperikon, Kardzhali offers 78 beds in total.

Perperikon is the newest hotel in the Eastern Rhodopes. It is located in the center of Kurdjali with convenient road links to all exits of the city.

Gosite offer its 3 luxury suites with Jacuzzi, 3 standard suites, 3 luxurious individual rooms, 7 rooms with two beds and 11 rooms with one double bed. cozy and comfort that guarantee will satisfy every discriminating taste. Each of the rooms and bathrooms they have a telephone connection, panic-button, TV, air conditioning, mini-bar. Surprise for each visitor to the luxury suites and rooms is branding a bottle of red wine, combined sun, selected varieties of grapes and the millenary tradition of the ancient Thracian, produced divine drink. A 24-hour security parking for their own cars for our customers.

Extras and amenities
Hotel Perperikon, Kardzhali offers you the following amenities:

parking lot, restaurant, fitness centre, security, sauna, jacuzzi, internet club, TV set, cable television, air conditioning, mini-bar, phone, bathroom/toilet, balcony, view, bath tub, summer garden


Hotel Boutique hotel Behi

Booking information
+359 - (0)361 / 88288

Description
Hotel Boutique hotel Behi, Kardzhali offers 4 beds in total.

There, on a quiet and yet central street, lies Boutique hotel Behi, which offers comfort, discretion and refinement.The entrance foyer on the first floor wlcomes its clients with stylish interior, floral design and romantic colors. The furnitures that are introduce right when entering the hotel suggest luxury and comfort. In the immediate vicinity of the entrace you will find the Reseption desk where you'll be received by a polite and trained personnel.There are 15 well furnished boutique rooms, 2 studios and 5 suites at your disposal, which are divided into several categories according to your needs and requirements.



Boutique hotel Behi is a part of the already established trade brand "Behi", behind which stands a range of multidisciplinary services in the following fields: Companies registration and management, Accountancy, Customs regime of import and export of goods and services within the country and abroad; Translation and legalization of documents; Acquiring citizenship and residence in the Republic of Bulgaria; Transport, Forwarding and Courier services; Stationery Trade; Mediation in buying or selling real estate properties.



Accuracy, Loyalty and Correctness are the best words to describe everything that has the brand Behi on it.

Extras and amenities
Hotel Boutique hotel Behi, Kardzhali offers you the following amenities:

night bar, massage studio, TV set, kitchen, air conditioning, refrigerator, mini-bar, phone, internet, hair-dryer, business





Hotel Trifon Zarezan, Kardzhali

Booking information
+359 - (0)361 / 63113 +359 - (0)888 / 443618

Description
Hotel Trifon Zarezan, Kardzhali offers 28 beds in total.

Strannopriemnitsa "Trifon Zarezan is located on the shore of the lake" Kardjali "Glavatartsi region - one of the most beautiful places in the Rhodopes. The distance from the center of Kurdjali to rest is just 7 kilometers. Preserved traditions, style and spirit of the Rhodopes, inn "Trifon Zarezan offers its visitors unique conditions for full recreation holiday. Amazing architecture of the old Bulgarian house, harmoniously combined with modern amenities iobsluzhvane creates guests feel at home for warmth and comfort. Architectural color is complemented by the winery, lobby bar, swimming pool with jacuzzi, barbecue, country bakery, summer bar, summer garden and parking available to guests at any time. Among the natural vegetation and the refreshing coolness of walnut shade, the garden has 60 seats, is a cozy wharf for your family celebrations.


Hotel Yazovir Kardjali, Kardzhali

Booking information
+359 - (0)878 / 780330


Description
Hotel Yazovir Kardjali, Kardzhali offers 5 beds in total.

boutique hotel Kurdzhali Dam is located on the shore of the lake Kurdjali of 18 kilometers of Perperikon of 28 kilometers from Tatul and 4.5 kilometers from the g . Kurdjali. Has 8 luxurious boutique rooms and 4 suites. Each room is equipped with plasma TV, wireless internet, Bullseye-com, Jacuzzi, fireplace, air conditioner, terrace with magnificent panoramic view of the lake Kurdjali. The rooms also have comfortable sofa - Type bed. The apartments are 70 sq. m size to 85 square meters. We have apartments equipped with its own sauna. The apartments are very luxury and boutique furniture. For the comfort of our visitors apartments have full kitchen with cooking equipment - an oven with ceramic hot plates, Dish, laundry and refrigerator. The apartments have two plasma TV, air conditioning, fireplace, Jacuzzi and large terrace with panoramic view of the lake Kurdjali. Each apartment has a comfortable sofa type - bedroom.

Тhe complex have SPA center: steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi 12 seats, two outdoor pools, one of which children. The bigger pool is equipped with 2 jacuzzi units, and jets. Is 16 meters long. Over SPA center is a duplex restaurant, which looks at the whole lake Kurdjali. For comfort and convenience of our customers have individual garages with hot links to the rooms.

1:12 AM | 0 comments |

The windows of migration

20 years after the great migration in Bulgaria, Kardzhali villages and the abandoned windows…I looked at some of them inside and others from the outside

8:00 AM | 0 comments |

The Olympic gold medalist weight lifter Naim Suleymanoglu defends Family name

As part of a campaign to eliminate Turkish culture and identity within their borders, Bulgarian officials closed Turkish mosques and schools, passed laws prohibiting people from speaking Turkish, and ordered all of the country's 900,000 Turks to change their names to Bulgarian ones. Suleymanoglu was ordered to change his name to Naum Shalamanov. The last straw came one day when Communist officials showed up with a television crew and told him to say that he had always been Bulgar, and that the only reason he had a Turkish name was that his ancestors had been forced to adopt one by the Ottoman rulers. He refused, but the next day there was an article in the paper, claiming he had said this. He had never even spoken to the author of the article, much less denied his Turkish heritage.

In response, during a 1986 competition in Australia, he defected from Bulgaria and sought Turkish citizenship. Although athletes who changed citizenship were normally not allowed to compete for their new country until three years had passed, the Turkish government paid Bulgaria $1 million in order to have this ban waived so that Suleymanoglu could compete for Turkey in the 1988 Olympics. It was money well spent. At the Games in Seoul, Korea, Suleymanoglu set six world records, won a gold medal, and even out-lifted the winner of the weight class above his own.

As a Turkish athlete, Suleymanoglu became a national hero in his new country, receiving parades and over 20 houses as a reward for his achievements. According to Pat Forde in the Louisville, Kentucky Courier-Journal, one million fans showed up at the airport to welcome him home to Turkey after his gold medal. Also, because of the enormous publicity he received, the world became aware of Bulgaria's oppression of Turks. In response to world outcry, Bulgarian officials had to allow Suleymanoglu's parents to emigrate to Turkey, and they also let over 320,000 Turks leave their country and settle in Turkey.

Suleymanoglu quit his sport in 1990 but soon returned to competition. At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Suleymanoglu won a second gold medal, making him the most famed athlete in Turkey. According to Alan Abrahamson in the Los Angeles Times, a Turkish television sports director said of Suleymanoglu, "If he comes to a roadblock when he is driving, it is removed for him. If he eats in a restaurant, no one will ask him to pay. If he drives beyond the speed limit, police wave him on ahead."

Chronology

1967 Born in Kircali, Bulgaria
1977 Sent away from his family to a training school
1982 Sets his first world record
1984 Misses Olympic Games because of his country's boycott
1986 Defects from Bulgaria to Turkey
1988 Wins gold medal at Seoul Olympics
1990 Retires, but soon returns to competition
1992 Wins gold medal at Barcelona Olympics
1996 Wins gold medal at Atlanta Olympics
2000 Competes in Sydney Olympics, but fails on all his attempts to lift
2000 Retires from competition

7:28 AM | 0 comments |