Mihalkovo is a historic village nestled in the embrace of Southern Bulgaria, within the municipality of Devin, Smolyan Province. It carries a rich and storied past that dates back centuries, even before Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule.
Historical Significance of Mihalkovo
Ancient Roots and Early Records
The first mention of Mihalkovo emerges in the Ottoman cadastral register “Tahrir Defter 77” from 1516, preserved in the Ottoman Archives in Istanbul. Referred to as “Mihalkova”, the village was entirely inhabited by Bulgarian Christians, a fact that underscores its deep cultural and religious heritage. Copies of this document also reside in Bulgaria’s National Library in Sofia.
Further references appear in subsequent Ottoman documents from the 16th and 17th centuries:
- In 1519, the village is named “Mihalkova” in another summary register (BOA, TD 73, s.121).
- By 1530, it surfaces again as “Mihaliva” (BOA, TD 370, s.93).
- Later records from 1570 and 1596 consistently refer to it as “Mihalkova”.
These meticulous historical accounts paint a vivid picture of a village that has persisted through centuries of political and social change.
Evolution Through the Ages
By 1872, Mihalkovo had 50 houses. From 1878 to 1886, it fell under the so-called Tamrash Republic, a semi-autonomous region during the waning Ottoman period. Population growth over the decades reflects its resilience:
- 1920: 290 inhabitants
- 1946: 434 inhabitants
- 1965: 987 inhabitants
Ethnographer Lyubomir Miletich noted that, as of 1912, the population primarily consisted of Pomaks, illustrating the dynamic demographic shifts in its history.
Cultural and Natural Wonders
The Sparkling Mihalkovo Mineral Springs
One of Mihalkovo’s crowning glories is its natural sparkling mineral spring, the only one of its kind in Bulgaria. Located 900 meters east of the village, along the Churekovska River, this carbonated spring has been cherished since its discovery in 1936. The water, with a temperature of around 28°C, is distinguished by its unique taste and aroma. It is reputed for its therapeutic properties, aiding:
- Cardiovascular health
- Digestive and nervous system conditions
- Endocrine-metabolic disorders
In 2008, Mihalkovo launched a new product: Mihalkovo Spring Water, drawn from the nearby “Persenk” spring. This water’s low mineralization makes it ideal for daily consumption by all age groups.
A Gateway to Mountain Adventures
Just 16 kilometers away lies the Persenk Mountain Hut, a starting point for scenic trails leading to:
- Persenk Peak (2091 meters above sea level)
- Mount Modar
- The enchanting Marvelous Bridges
- The ski haven of Pamporovo
- Izgrev Hut
To the north, the Vacha Reservoir begins beneath the houses of Mihalkovo’s new quarter, while Tsankov Kamak Hydro Complex sits to the south, completing the village’s captivating geographical tapestry.
