Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is a town in southern Bulgaria, one of the main economic centers in the country, as well as a major transport junction of southern Bulgaria.
It is the center of the municipality, district and regional association of Trakia municipalities. The city is the sixth largest in the country with a population of 135 715 residents.
Here is the oldest Bulgarian theater - Geo Milev Drama Theater, the ancient Forum of Augusta Trayana, and 14 km away from the center of the city - the national resort Stara Zagora Mineral Baths (SPA). In 1925, the second opera house (after Sofia) in the country was opened - the South Balkan Opera (today Stara Zagora State Opera) and in 1895 the first park of European type in Bulgaria - Ayazmoto.
Stara Zagora's history goes way back in time to 8 000 years ago. It is filled with ups and downs, creation and demolition; however, the inhabitants of this special place always rebuild it. Life springs and is maintained with love, which allows Stara Zagora to live and to prosper.
The first signs of life date from the Neolithic era 8 000 years ago. Humans appreciated the abundant natural resources and settled in the area. Europe's best-preserved eight-thousand-year-old Neolithic dwellings can be seen even today. Their numerous ritual and everyday objects are enchanting with their aesthetics.
Europe's seven-thousand-year-old first metal mines are in close proximity to the contemporary city. According to some theories, the name of the first settlement established in that location by the Ancient Thracians in 4th century (Beroe) is related to those mines.
The Emperor Trajan built the city Augusta Traiana during the Roman Empire in 2nd century. The city gradually became the second biggest economic, administrative and cultural center in the Thrace province and it thrived.
The city changed its name several times. Stara Zagora was called Vereia, Irinopolis, Boruy, Eski Zagra and Zheleznik.
The Thrace University is a Bulgarian university in the city of Stara Zagora with 9000 students. It was named after the historical region of Thrace and was established in 1995.
The university organizes training on programs with four educational and qualification degrees: Bachelor, Master and PhD, as well as on programs for qualification and post-graduate training in the system of lifelong education.
Whilst the university has been teaching in the local languages for a number of years, it has recently started teaching in English in the majors Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
Trakia University is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Agency at the Council of Ministers. A diploma with the relevant certification level is issued.