In the scenic expanse of Western Bulgaria, the village of Novi Han is part of the Elin Pelin municipality in Sofia Province. This quaint locale is not just a mere dot on the map but a repository of layered histories, encompassing Thracian, Roman, and medieval settlements scattered across its terrain.
The Caravanserai of 1670
In the annals of history, the year 1670 marks a significant epoch for Novi Han. It was then that a substantial caravanserai emerged on the very grounds of what is today the village. Constructed under the edicts of Ahmed Pasha, this caravanserai served as a pivotal station and inn on the “royal road” leading to the imperial city of Constantinople. Situated merely 25 kilometers east of Sofia, a day’s journey by foot at the time, its structure dazzled travelers with its elaborate interior arrangement.
Spanning 20 decares, the caravanserai boasted a large lead roof, a courtyard ensconced within high stone walls from which a broad eave descended, supported by stone columns. A fountain with a water spout and a lavishly flowing fountain adorned the courtyard. Today, remnants of this Ottoman edifice, affectionately known as “Kaleto” by locals, can be found in the courtyard of the main school, “St. St. Cyril and Methodius.” From the original structure, only the western wall remains, having once enclosed the area now occupied by the school. Significant portions of the inn were demolished in 1872 during the construction of the school.
The Evolution of a Village
The caravanserai’s establishment gradually led to the formation of the current village. The first recorded mention of the village dates back to 1680 under the name Han Djedid, Arabic for “new inn,” noted in Ottoman Turkish as Han Cedit. Later, it was known as Yeni Han in Turkish before being translated to Bulgarian as Novi Han following the Liberation.
Local Lore and Historical Significance
Local lore divides the village into three hamlets: Anskata, the oldest, situated north of the inn; Gornata, once nestled in the Lozen Mountain; and Tarnavskata, whose inhabitants originally migrated from Tarnava. During the Ottoman rule, the strategic location on the main road led to frequent attacks and burnings of the settlement. Numerous famed travelers have chronicled their experiences in Novi Han, adding to its mystique.
Novi Han in World War II
World War II marked another pivotal chapter for the village. The school in Novi Han sheltered part of the facilities of Radio Sofia, and it was from a studio in the village that the September 9th coup of 1944 was publicly announced, weaving Novi Han further into the fabric of Bulgaria’s tumultuous history.
