Nestled within the lands of the villages Koprinka, Dolno Sahrane, Gorno Cherkovishte, and Viden, the Koprinka Reservoir stretches along the Tundzha River, in the western part of the Kazanlak Valley, just 3 kilometers from the town of Kazanlak. This expansive body of water, approximately 7 kilometers in length, boasts a multitude of arms and bays, each adding to its majestic allure.
The Birth of an Idea
The conception of a reservoir on the Tundzha River can be traced back to the early 20th century—a time when ambition often collided with reality. In 1923, the Water Syndicate “Tundzha” was established with one clear mission: to harness the river’s potential. By 1928, they had crafted a detailed plan to erect a dam near the village of Koprinka, with a derivation towards Stara Zagora. However, as is often the case with grand designs, the harsh reality of limited resources forced the syndicate to cease operations in 1935.
Revival After War
The devastation of World War II left many plans in disarray, but some ideas were too powerful to fade away. In 1946, the project was revived by EnergoHydroProject. Engineers Mincho Ivanov and Ivan Savov spearheaded the dam’s design, while the main irrigation canal was entrusted to engineer Razsolkov. Construction commenced in 1947, under the watchful eye of the specially formed Koprinka Construction Section of the Ministry of Construction. By 1949, the project had gained enough momentum to warrant the creation of the state-owned enterprise “Koprinka” under the Ministry of Energy, which took the helm of the ongoing construction. The reservoir’s filling began in 1954, culminating in its official inauguration on September 6, 1955.
Unearthing History
As the reservoir took shape, something extraordinary was unearthed—literally. During the construction, archaeologists from the Archaeological Institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences excavated and meticulously studied the ancient Thracian city of Seuthopolis, buried beneath layers of history and soil.
Enhancements and Mysteries
In 1962, the reservoir underwent a significant transformation. The spillway was redesigned, increasing the impounded volume by more than 50%, a testament to the evolving needs and ambitions of the time. Yet, the reservoir holds more than just water. During military exercises in the 1960s, a tank sank to the depths of the reservoir, though its crew was miraculously saved. The tank was later recovered, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the reservoir’s history.
Modern Developments
Fast forward to 1984—a year of renewal. The reservoir was completely drained to allow for critical repairs to its main outlet. Then, on August 23, 2004, a new chapter began. The two hydroelectric power plants and their associated infrastructure were privatized, sold at auction for 16.2 million leva to Energo-Pro Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in the reservoir’s modern history.
The Koprinka Reservoir stands today not just as a feat of engineering, but as a testament to human perseverance, the intersection of history and innovation, and the enduring power of a dream born over a century ago.
