Digital information package of the section Sofia - Edirne - Istanbul.

The material is included in the following folders:

• Points of Interest, containing GPX of KML files with: o Accommodation o Campsites o Information points o Sights o Transportation; airports, train stations, bus stops and stations o Waypoints Further information about these points can be found in the described in the Trail Description documents. Load the files of your choice into your navigation device •

Tracks, containing GPX of KML files

Further information about these tracks can be found in the described in the Trail Description documents. Load the files of your choice into your navigation device • Trail description, containing PDF documents with additional information about tracks and points of interest.

• Travel plans, no content yet.

This section of the Sultan's Trail offers a fascinating journey through Bulgaria's historical and natural landscapes, following the ancient Via Militaris trade route along the Maritsa Valley. Below is a structured summary of the key highlights and logistical details:

Route Overview

• Section: Sofia → Plovdiv → Edirne (Turkey)
• Terrain: Mountain foothills (Rhodopes & Sredna Gora), river valleys (Maritsa), and Thracian plains.
• Historical Context: Traces ancient trade routes, with layers of Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman history.

Key Highlights

1. Sofia to Novi Han

• Follows the Rhodope Mountains flanks.
• Novi Han: Ruins of an old caravanserai (only a wall remains).
• Sredna Gora Mountains: A natural barrier rich in minerals (copper, iron, coal, uranium).

2. Ihtiman to Pazardzhik

• Maritsa River: Begins its journey from the Rila Mountains, guiding the trail.
• Pazardzhik: A charming town with Ottoman-era architecture.

3. Plovdiv (European Capital of Culture 2019)

• Oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe (older than Rome, Carthage, Constantinople).
• Layered history: Thracian, Roman (amphitheater), and Ottoman (mosques, old town).
• Vibrant arts and cultural scene.

4. Asenovgrad & Beyond

• Asenovgrad: Medieval fortress (Asen’s Fortress) and gateway to the Rhodopes.
• Mineralni Bani: Thermal springs and spa resorts.
• Haskovo & Harmanli: Historic towns with Ottoman influences.

5. Towards Edirne (Turkey)

• Crosses the Thracian Plain, shaped by rivers from the Rhodopes.
• Edirne: Former Ottoman capital with grand mosques (Selimiye Mosque).

Practical Information

• Tracks & Navigation:
  • GPS tracks (red) and waypoints (blue) are provided in the Digital Information Package.
  • Points of interest are marked in bold in the guide.
• Feedback & Community:
  • Share experiences on Facebook.
  • Send feedback to trailcoordinator@sultanstrail.com.

Why Walk This Section?

✅ Historical Depth: From ancient Thracians to Ottoman legacies.
✅ Scenic Diversity: Mountains, gorges, and fertile plains.
✅ Cultural Gems: Plovdiv’s ruins, Asenovgrad’s fortress, and Edirne’s mosques.

This route is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, ideal for hikers who appreciate both landscapes and cultural heritage.

Final Section of the Sultan’s Trail: Edirne to Istanbul (Via the Black Sea Route)

This segment traces one of the three historic routes from Constantinople (Istanbul) into Europe, following the path closest to the Black Sea. It’s a journey through Thracian history, Byzantine-Ottoman engineering marvels, and lush landscapes shaped by water and war.

Route Overview

• Direction: Edirne → Strandzha (Istranca) Mountains → Kırklareli → Vize → Anastasia Wall → Istanbul
• Terrain: Fertile plains, forested mountains, ancient aqueducts, and defensive ruins.
• Key Themes:
  • Water systems (Roman/Byzantine/Ottoman aqueducts)
  • Thracian & Byzantine ruins (tumuli, fortresses, churches-turned-mosques)
  • Ottoman military history (defense lines, conquest routes)

Key Highlights

1. Edirne to the Strandzha Mountains

• Strandzha (Istranca) Mountains:
  • Primary water source for Turkish Thrace; rivers flow toward the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara.
  • Ancient aqueducts and piping systems once supplied Edirne.

2. Kırklareli (Kirkkilise)

• Iron Age Thracian Tumuli: Burial mounds dotting the vineyards.
• Obsolete Irrigation Systems: Remnants of ancient agriculture.
• D020 Road: Likely built over the Roman/Ottoman highway.

3. Vize (Bizye) – Thracian/Roman/Byzantine Hub

• Byzantine Ayasofya: Converted into the Gazi Süleyman Pasha Mosque (fine early Christian architecture).
• Medieval Fortress: Overlooking the town.
• Roman Remains: Hidden in the foothills of the Strandzha.

4. The Water Systems of Constantinople/Istanbul

• Mimar Sinan’s Aqueducts: The Ottoman architect restored and expanded Roman-era waterworks.
• Magnificent Aqueducts Near Istanbul:
  • Valens Aqueduct (Bozdoğan Kemeri)
  • Magoglu Aqueduct

5. The Anastasia Wall (Long Wall of Thrace)

• Outermost Defense of Constantinople: Built to repel invasions (but often failed).
• Contrast with Theodosian Walls: Unlike Istanbul’s impenetrable city walls, this barrier was breached repeatedly.

6. Çatalca Defense Line (WWI-Era)

• Bulgarian/Serbian Front: Ottoman trenches and fortifications from World War I.

7. Quarries & Urban Sprawl

• Marble & Stone Excavations: Feeding Istanbul’s endless construction.

Navigation & Practical Details

• GPS Tracks: Marked in red (Digital Information Package).
• Waypoints: Printed in blue.
• Points of Interest: Highlighted in bold.
• Community Feedback: Share experiences on Facebook or email trailcoordinator@sultanstrail.com.

Why Walk This Section?

✅ Hidden History: Thracian tombs, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman restorations.
✅ Engineering Marvels: Aqueducts and ancient water systems.
✅ Battlefield Relics: From Roman walls to WWI trenches.
✅ Scenic Diversity: Vineyards, forests, and mountain springs.

This route is a deep dive into the layers of empires that shaped Istanbul’s hinterland—perfect for hikers who love history, archaeology, and untamed landscapes.

Package includes