Novo Oryahovo is a village in north-eastern Bulgaria. It is located in a picturesque corner in the municipality of Dolni Chiflik - 2 km from the Black Sea and the nature reserve along the Kamchia River. Due to its important environmental importance, in 1977 the region was included in the list of biosphere reserves protected by UNESCO. In its longos forests and swamps, more 200 species of plants and birds can be seen. The village of Novo Oryahovo is situated very close to the reserve. The mayor says that in addition to future, the village has a rich history. Information about the village has reached us, thanks to a teacher from 1864, mayor Veska Petrova tells reporter of BNR-Varna, Vanya Slavova:

"The settlement of the village took place during the Crimean War (1853-1856). Then, settlers from Gabrovo arrived in the village. Most of the new houses these days are built by the heirs of people who lived in the village. Since 2023, the village has had its own children's folklore group called ‘Oryahovche’. Its participants are children from Varna, who come here in the summer to visit their grandparents."

About 150 people live in the village all year round and during the summer months their number reaches 170. About 30% of its residents have arrived from different parts of the country, as they have purchased land and built houses in the village, in which there is no longer a single abandoned property. There are also no houses for sale, although interest is not waning.

Essential goods can be purchased from the village store, but like many other small settlements in Bulgaria, Novo Oryahovo does not have a school, kindergarten or a health center. People seek help in the neighbouring village of Staro Oryahovo, or pray in the church "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary", built during the Ottoman yoke, with faith for a better future. The village celebrates its holiday on August 15. The church opens its doors and guests receive from the ritual meal, we learn from Ivanka Petrova, who takes care of the church these days:

"My grandmother and mother took care of the church, but since they can no longer do it, I took over. I believe in God and I am sure that He helps me, as well as all those who pray."

The village also has a community center, where they preserve national and local traditions.

"We also have a library with many new books," proudly says a woman from the village and calls on the younger generation to follow the example of the most active readers - people of middle and retirement age, at whose disposal is a collection of over 5,000 volumes of literature.

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev based on interviews by Vanya Slavova - Bulgarian National Radio – Varna

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: BNR- Varna