Yambol and Edirne - two cities on Tundzha

The overall project objective is to improve and strengthen cross-border cooperation between Yambol (Bulgaria) and Edirne (Turkey) in the field of sustainable tourism development by increasing the attractiveness of both cities for tourists.

Project activities envisage a reconstruction and architectural design of the City park bridge in Yambol and its adjacent space.  Five wooden pavilions for conducting the joint events and activities with cross-border effect will be purchased and placed near the bridge. Within the project an old architectural building in Edirne will be restored and established to function as a tourist information center. In order to promote the tourist attractiveness of Province of Edirne two informational events "Traditions of Edirne-see and feel" and "Tourist sites in Edirne region" will be held in Yambol. The project envisages conduction of the reciprocal/mirrored events in Edirne for presenting the potential of Yambol region as a tourist destination. A two-days photo exhibition "Tourist sites in Yambol region" will be organized in the restored tourist information center in Edirne. Within the event "Traditions of Yambol-see and feel" an interactive representation of the traditional custom of Yambol with musical accompaniment will be organized.

The project will contribute to increasing the tourist attractiveness of Yambol and Edirne Municipalities through better utilization of natural and cultural heritage and related infrastructure. The reconstruction of the two sites will make both places more desirable and pleasant for potential touristic visits and will provide new opportunities for organizing of joint activities.

Project status: Finished

The project partners have implemented the activities according to the schedule.

The reconstruction and architectural design of the city park bridge in Yambol and its adjacent space, renovation of a historic building in the central part of Edirne for the establishment of a Tourist Information Center there, and common activities representing the tourist potential of Yambol and Edirne districts on the territory of both municipalities were implemented under the project. Four joint events took place in Yambol and Edirne, related to presentation, sharing and celebrating together local customs, photo exhibitions and presenting the tourism potential of the two twinned municipalities. The events enabled the residents of the neighboring municipalities to experience two of the most magnificent traditional customs on both sides – Kukers’ day and Hidrellez and to feel the spirit of the holidays. The numerous tourist sites in both cities were also presented.

In Yambol, the main pedestrian bridge was renovated to the City Park and it acquired a completely new vision. The new appearance of the bridge fulfilled the idea of a smooth transition between the urban and the park environment and during its renovation elements and materials such as those from the modernized center of Yambol were used. The bridge and the space around it became an attractive place for the citizens of Yambol and the tourists.

The historic building in Edirne, which was declared a model of civil architecture, 2nd category by the Ministry of Culture, was completely restored in its original form from the exterior façade, while at the same time the interior conforming to modern standards. The renovated building is intended for a Tourist Information Center, which will work for the sustainable development of tourism.

The implementation of the project activities improved the utilization of the natural and cultural heritage in the municipalities of Yambol and Edirne and closer collaboration was carried out between the citizens of Yambol and Edirne to preserve and share the traditions and tourist attractions in the two regions. As a result the main goal of the project was achieved: increasing the tourist attractiveness of Yambol and Edirne and improving and strengthening the cross-border cooperation between the two twin cities.

Project materials:

Project promotional materials are available HERE.

The project leaflet is available HERE.

The project flyer is available HERE.

Project products:

The project brochure is available HERE.

The magnet book eleborated under the project is available HERE.