INFORMATION FOR SOFIA

Sofia is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited capitals, boasting a rich history that stretches back over 7,000 years

The Medieval Era (Sredets to Sofia)

• First Bulgarian Empire: In 809 AD, Khan Krum conquered the city, renaming it Sredets (meaning "middle" or "center") due to its strategic position on the trade routes.

• Byzantine Interlude: Following the collapse of the empire, the city fell under Byzantine rule between 1018 and 1185, where it was called Triaditsa.

• Second Bulgarian Empire: Reclaimed by Bulgaria in 1194, Sredets became a massive hub for trade, culture, and craftsmanship.

• The Name Change: By the late 14th century, locals began calling the city Sofia, named after the landmark 6th-century Church of St. Sophia.

Ottoman Rule (1382–1878)

• Conquest: The Ottoman Empire captured Sofia in 1382 after a grueling three-month siege.

• Administrative Hub: The city grew rapidly, becoming the capital of the massive Rumelia Eyalet, which managed Ottoman lands across the entire Balkan peninsula.

• Cultural Shift: Churches were converted into mosques, including the conversion of the St. Sophia Basilica. The Banya Bashi Mosque, built in 1566, remains a prominent structural reminder of this five-century period.

Independence and Modern Capital (1878–Present)

• The New Capital: Russian forces liberated Sofia on January 4, 1878, during the Russo-Turkish War. On April 3, 1879, Sofia was officially proclaimed the capital of the newly independent Principality of Bulgaria.