The town is a picturesque town located just 16 km south of Blagoevgrad, 50 km north of Sandanski, 66 km from Petrich, and 116 km from Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Nestled in the Simitli Basin, the town rests at the foothills of the Rila, Pirin, and Vlahina mountains. The Struma River flows through Simitli, dividing it into two parts: the main town and the Oranovo neighborhood. At this confluence, the Struma meets the Gradevska River, with the Rila and Pirin mountains enclosing the town from the east and Vlahina from the west. A short 25 km from Simitli, within the Vlahina Mountain, lies the fascinating Komatinski Rocks, a natural wonder worth exploring.
Historical Overview
An Ancient Settlement in the Simitli Basin
The city has long been a hub for the surrounding villages in the eponymous basin. Its growth was propelled by two key factors:
- Abundant Mineral Springs
The area boasts 20 mineral springs with temperatures ranging between 56–60°C and a total flow rate of 720 liters per minute. Historically, the springs served household needs, but since the early 20th century, they’ve been tapped for a bathhouse and used to heat greenhouses. - Strategic Location
Positioned between the valleys of the Struma and Mesta rivers, the city has held significant geographical importance over centuries.
Etymology and Early Mentions
Simitli was first referenced in the 15th century as Banya, later evolving to Simitlu in the 16th century. Some believe the name derives from the white bread “simid”, while others link it to the town’s central position, interpreting it as “Simen,” or “center.”
During the 19th century, the city was a mixed-population village within the Gornodzhumayska district.
A Glimpse Into the Past
In 1891, Bulgarian geographer Georgi Strezov described Simitli as follows:
“Simitliya, 4 hours south of Djumaia, lies along the right bank of the Struma River, at a flat expanse. A main road connecting Djumaia to Melnik-Seres-Salonica passes through it. Simitli produces the best tobacco in the region, rivaling that of Zheleznitsa. The village has 230 houses, all Pomaks.”
According to Vasil Kanchov’s 1900 ethnographic statistics, Simitli’s population totaled 820 people, comprising 780 Bulgarian Muslims and 40 Roma, while the adjoining Simitli Chiflik housed 135 Bulgarian Muslims.
Key Historical Milestones
The Birth of Modern Simitli
- During the Balkan War, a battle between the Seventh Rila Infantry Division and Ottoman forces unfolded near Simitli.
- After the Second Balkan War (1913), Simitli became part of Bulgaria. Its Muslim population emigrated, and by 1916, the village lay in ruins.
Refugees from Macedonia and surrounding villages, such as Suhostrel, Dokatichovo, Troskovo, and Gradevo, resettled here, sparking its rebirth. The town thrived on exporting timber from the Rila and Pirin mountains.
Growth Through the 20th Century
- By 1934, Simitli and Oranovo had a combined population of 2,200.
- In 1946, this grew to 2,918 and reached 7,684 by 1997.
The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Built in 1923, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary stands as a beacon of faith and community.
During World War II, Simitli briefly adopted the name Izvorite (The Springs) in 1943, only to revert to the town in 1945. By 1964, Simitli was officially recognized as an urban-type settlement, incorporating Oranovo in 1965 and earning its city status on August 29, 1969.
A Unique Blend of Nature and Culture
Today, Simitli is more than a historical gem; it is a gateway to Bulgaria’s natural wonders and a testament to resilience through centuries. Whether exploring the Komatinski Rocks, enjoying the mineral springs, or delving into its rich history, Simitli offers something for every traveler.
