Bolhrad


Bolhrad, also known by its Russian name Bolgrad, is a small city in Odessa Oblast of southwestern Ukraine, in the historical region of Budjak. It is the administrative center of Bolhrad Raion. Population:

History

Bolhrad was founded in 1821 by Bulgarian settlers in Bessarabia, under the direction of General Ivan Inzov who is "revered" by Bolhrad residents as the "Founder of Our City." Bolhrad became part of Moldavia from 1856 to 1859, Romania from 1859 to 1878, 1918 to 1940, and 1941 to 1944, before being incorporated into the USSR, and later independent Ukraine.

Demographics

The surrounding Bolhradsky district is predominantly populated by ethnic Bulgarians. Bolhrad itself is inhabited by a large number of Bessarabian Bulgarians and is considered by locals to be the unofficial capital of the Bessarabian historic district of Budjak.

Economy

As of 1920, Bolhrad had a coal industry.

Education

The Georgi Sava Rakovski Bolhrad High School founded in 1858 is the oldest high school of the Bulgarian National Revival.

Notable residents