Shipka (town)
| Shipka Шипка | |
|---|---|
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  Shipka | |
| Coordinates: 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°ECoordinates: 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E | |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Provinces (Oblast) | Stara Zagora |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Stoyan Ivanov |
| Elevation | 650 m (2,130 ft) |
| Population (2005) | |
| • Total | 1,398 |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Postal Code | 6150 |
| Area code(s) | 04324 |
| License plate | CT |
Shipka (Bulgarian: Шипка, "Rosa canina") is a town in central Bulgaria, part of Kazanlak municipality, Stara Zagora Province. It lies in the Central Balkan Mountains, at 42°42′N 25°23′E / 42.700°N 25.383°E, 650 metres above sea level. As of 2005, Shipka has a population of 1,398 and the mayor is Stoyan Ivanov.
The town is known for being located near the historic Shipka Pass, the location of several key battles in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. Local sights include the Shipka Memorial (1934) on Stoletov Peak, the Buzludzha Monument, the Russian-style Shipka Memorial Church (1885–1902) and the recently discovered Thracian tomb Golyamata Kosmatka.
The population is overwhelmingly Eastern Orthodox and ethnically Bulgarian, with a notable minority of Karakachans (a Greek-speaking transhumant people of obscure origin).
Shipka Pass
Shipka Pass (Bulgarian: Шипченски проход, Shipchenski prohod) (el. 1150 m./3820 ft.) is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from the town, and connects the town with Gabrovo.
During the Russo-Turkish War, Shipka Pass was the scene of a series of conflicts collectively named the Battle of Shipka Pass.
The Shipka Memorial (Bulgarian: паметник „Шипка“), a memorial to those who died for the Liberation of Bulgaria during the Battles of Shipka Pass, stands near the pass.
