Our journey through the gems of the Rhodope Mountains continues with a village known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. It is believed to have been founded by Bulgarians who fled forced Islamization. Initially known as Kutlovo or Karlukovo, its official name was changed to Slaveyno in 1934.
The land around the village is home to several historical sites connected with the struggles for the liberation of the Rhodope region and significant figures from the 14th century: the chapels in the surrounding areas and local sites like Haydushki Polyani, Inoglovo, Kudata, Kutsovskoto, Chil Tepe, Sinura, and others.
The Inoglovo area is located 13 km northwest of Slaveyno and is associated with the heroism and tragedy of the 14th century. During the Middle Ages, a large Bulgarian village existed here, and the major battle with the advancing Ottoman army in the central Rhodopes took place at this location. Sixteen kilometers from the village, you will also find Haydushki Polyani, where a monument was erected in honor of those who died in the Ilinden Uprising.
Until the Balkan War in 1912, Slaveyno remained under Ottoman rule. The locals were active participants in the “VMRO” and the Ilinden Uprising, led by the voivode Peyo Shishmanov. His brother, Kolyo Shishmanov, known as "Mamin Kolyo," served as the standard-bearer and is celebrated in many folk songs from the region.
Initially, sheep herding was the main livelihood in the village, but over time, crafts like masonry, textile work, caravan trading, and fishing in the Aegean Sea developed. Many villagers traded in Xanthi and Komotini (Gyumyurdzhina), and the loss of the Aegean territories after World War I severely impacted the local economy. Since then, Slaveyno has been gradually depopulating, with many residents moving to larger cities such as Plovdiv, Sofia, Smolyan, and others.
The village is famous for the large number of doctors born there (over 80), and the number of medical professionals which includes paramedics, assistant pharmacists, midwives, and nurses, is even more impressive – a record worthy of the Guinness Book of Records. In 2005, a unique sign was placed at the entrance of the village, welcoming visitors: "Slaveyno, Sacred Place of Bulgarian Medicine." Here, tourists can visit the only house-museum of a doctor in Bulgaria, and the fourth in the world – the home of Dr. Konstantin Chilov. It features a unique exhibition dedicated to the world-renowned Bulgarian internist, under whose leadership the first Bulgarian specialized internists were trained.
Another interesting site is the Exhibition Shelter, which preserves collections related to the revolutionary and educational work of Slaveyno. It also hosts exhibitions. The history of the village is further commemorated with busts of revolutionaries Peyo Shishmanov and Kolyo Shishmanov, Kolyo Petrovski, effigies of four distinguished church leaders from the time of the Liberation, plaques dedicated to educators, and memorial tablets.
Every year, at the beginning of August, the revolutionary village of Slaveyno, a center of the struggles in the Rhodope region, gathers people to honor the heroes of the Ilinden Uprising, as this is the birthplace of freedom in the Rhodope region.
Slaveyno is one of the most iconic places in the Rhodopes, a testament to the people's desire to live freely, independently, and united. A walk through the breathtaking places of the Rhodopes and learning about its glorious past is always a good idea for a weekend trip.
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