Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:Balkan Mountains

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{short description|Mountain range in the Balkan Peninsula}}
{{distinguish|Balkan Mountains (Turkmenistan)}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name=Balkan Mountains<br/>Stara Planina
| translation='Old Mountain'
| other_name=[[Haemus Mons]]
| native_name={{native name list |tag1=bg|name1=Стара Планина |tag2=sr-Latn|name2=Stara Planina |tag3=bg|name3=Балкан |tag4=sr-Latn|name4=Balkan}}
| photo=Kom stara planina pano.jpg
| photo_caption=A view from [[Kom Peak]] in western Bulgaria
| country_type= Countries
| country= {{enum|[[Bulgaria]]|[[Serbia]]}}
| geology= {{enum|granite|gneiss|limestone}}
| area_km2=11596 | area_ref=
| length_km=557 
| length_orientation= west-east | length_ref=
| width_km= 15-50
| width_orientation= north-south| width_ref=
| listing = [[List of mountain ranges]]
| highest=[[Botev Peak]]
| elevation_m=2376
| elevation_ref=<ref name=otm>{{cite opentopomap|Botev Peak|42.71713|24.91716|2023-05-18}}</ref>
| coordinates= {{coord|42.71713|N|24.91716|E|type:mountain_region:BG|format=dms|display=inline}}
| coordinates_ref=<ref name=otm/>
| range_coordinates= {{coord|43|15|N|25|0|E|type:mountain_region:BG|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| range_coordinates_ref=
| map_image=MontesBalcanes (en).svg
|fetchwikidata=ALL
}}

The '''Balkan mountain range''' ({{Lang-el|Αἵμος|label=[[Ancient Greek]]}}, {{Lang-la|Haemus}}; known locally also as '''Stara Planina''',<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Николов |first1=Васил С. [Vasil S. Nikolov] |last2=Йорданова |first2=Марина Д. [Marina D. Ĭordanova] |year=1997 |script-title=bg:Планините в България |trans-title=The mountains of Bulgaria |language=bg |location=Sofia, Bulgaria |publisher=Prof. Marin Drinov Publishing House of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences |page=7 |isbn=954-430-029-5 }}</ref> [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] and {{Lang-sr|Стара Планина}}) is a [[mountain range]] in the eastern part of the [[Balkan Peninsula]] in [[Southeast Europe|Southeastern Europe]]. The range is conventionally taken to begin at the peak of [[Vrashka Chuka]] on the border between [[Bulgaria]] and [[Serbia]]. It then runs for about {{convert|560|km}}, first in a south-easterly direction along the border, then eastward across Bulgaria, forming a natural barrier between the northern and southern halves of the country, before finally reaching the [[Black Sea]] at [[Cape Emine]]. The mountains reach their highest point with [[Botev Peak]] at {{convert|2376|m}}.

In much of the central and eastern sections, the summit forms the watershed between the drainage basins of the [[Black Sea]] and the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]]. A prominent gap in the mountains is formed by the sometimes narrow [[Iskar Gorge]], a few miles north of the Bulgarian capital, [[Sofia]]. The [[karst]] relief determines the large number of caves, including [[Magura Cave|Magura]], featuring the most important and extended European post-Palaeolithic cave painting, [[Ledenika]], [[Saeva dupka]], [[Bacho Kiro cave|Bacho Kiro]], etc. The most notable rock formation are the [[Belogradchik Rocks]] in the west.

There are several important protected areas: [[Central Balkan National Park]], [[Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|Vrachanski Balkan]], [[Bulgarka Nature Park|Bulgarka]] and [[Sinite Kamani]], as well as a number of [[nature reserve]]s. The Balkan Mountains are remarkable for their flora and fauna. [[Edelweiss]] grows there in the region of ''Kozyata stena''. Some of the most striking landscapes are included in the Central Balkan National Park with steep cliffs, the highest waterfalls in the Balkan Peninsula and lush vegetation. There are a number of important nature reserves such as Chuprene, Kozyata stena and others. Most of [[Europe]]'s large mammals inhabit the area including the [[brown bear]], [[wolf]], [[boar]], [[chamois]] and [[deer]].

The mountains are the source of the name of the Balkan Peninsula. In [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] and [[Serbian language|Serbian]] the mountains are also known as {{lang|bg|Стара планина}} ''{{transl|Cyrl|Stara planina}}'' (pronounced in Bulgarian as {{IPA-bg|ˈstarɐ pɫɐniˈna|}} and in Serbian as {{IPA-sh|stâːraː planǐna|}}), a term whose literal meaning is 'old mountain'.<ref name=heamus>{{cite book|title=Bulgaria|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDoQAQAAMAAJ|year=1986}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
[[File:Balkangebirge Balkan topo de.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Balkan Mountains, [[Rhodope Mountains|Rhodope]], [[Rila]] and [[Pirin]] Mountains]]

It is believed{{by whom?|date=December 2022}} the name was brought to the region in the 7th century by [[Bulgars]]{{fact|date=July 2020}} who applied it to the area, as a part of the [[First Bulgarian Empire]].{{fact|date=July 2020}} In [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]], the archaic word ''balkan'' (балкан) was borrowed from [[Turkic languages|Turkic]] and means "mountain".<ref>Андрейчин Л. и др., Български тълковен речник (допълнен и преработен от Д. Попов). Четвърто преработено и допълнено издание.: Издателство "Наука и изкуство". С., 1994</ref> It may have ultimately derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] ''bālkāneh'' or ''bālākhāna'', meaning "high, above, or proud house."<ref>{{cite book | title = Imagining the Balkans | first=Maria N. | last =Todorova | publisher = Oxford University Press, Inc. | year = 1997 | location = New York | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=-EuFwLQhvYMC&pg=PA27 | page=27 | isbn = 978-0-19-508751-2}}</ref> The name is still preserved in Central Asia with the [[Balkan Daglary]] (Balkan Mountains)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://land.worldcitydb.com/balkhan_mountains_3522246.html |title=Balkhan Mountains |work=World Land Features Database |publisher=Land.WorldCityDB.com |access-date=31 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228223148/http://land.worldcitydb.com/balkhan_mountains_3522246.html |archive-date=28 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the [[Balkan Province]] of [[Turkmenistan]].

In Antiquity and the Middle Ages the mountains were known by their [[Thracian language|Thracian]]<ref name=heamus/> name: the [[Haemus Mons]]. Scholars consider that the name Haemus (Αἷμος) is derived from a [[Thracian language|Thracian]] word ''*saimon'', 'mountain ridge'.<ref>{{cite book|title=Balkan studies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEJpAAAAMAAJ|year=1986|publisher=Édition de lA̕cadémie bulgare des sciences.}}</ref> The name of the place where the range meets the Black Sea, [[Cape Emine]], is derived from ''Aemon''. A [[folk etymology]] holds that 'Haemus' derives from the Greek word "haima" ({{lang|grc|αἵμα}}) meaning 'blood', and is based on Greek mythology. During a fight between [[Zeus]] and the monster/titan [[Typhon]], Zeus injured Typhon with thunder; and Typhon's blood fell on the mountains, which were then named for this battle.<ref>{{cite book|author=Apollodorus|title=Gods and Heroes of the Greeks: The Library of Apollodorus|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_2900870232069|url-access=registration|year=1976|publisher=Univ of Massachusetts Press|isbn=0-87023-206-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_2900870232069/page/20 20]}}</ref>

Other names used to refer to the mountains in different time periods include ''Aemon'', ''Haemimons'', ''Hem'', ''Emus'', the Slavonic ''Matorni gori'' and the Turkish ''Kocabalkan''.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/151524/stara-planina-balkana-.html
|title=SummitPost - Stara Planina (Balkana) -- Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering
|publisher=www.summitpost.org
|access-date=2008-10-14
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081006214139/http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/151524/stara-planina-balkana-.html| archive-date= 6 October 2008 | url-status= live}}
</ref>

== Geography ==
Geologically, the Balkan Mountains are a [[mountain chain]] of [[fold mountains]], a "young" part of the [[Alpide belt|Alp-Himalayan]] chain that stretches across most of [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. It can be divided into two parts: the main Balkan Chain and the Pre-Balkans (Fore-Balkan) to the north, which intrude slightly into the [[Danubian Plain (Bulgaria)|Danubian Plain]]. To the south, the mountains border the [[Sub-Balkan valleys]] - a row of 11 valleys running from the Bulgarian border with Serbia east to the [[Black Sea]], separating the Balkan mountains from a chain of other mountains known as ''Srednogorie'' which includes [[Vitosha]] and [[Sredna Gora]].

The range consists of around 30 distinct mountains. Within Bulgaria the Balkan Mountains can be divided into three sections: 
* The ''Western Balkan Mountains'' extend from [[Vrashka Chuka]] at the border with Serbia to the Pass of [[Arabakonak]] with a total length of {{convert|190|km|mi}}. The highest peak is [[Midžor]] at {{convert|2169|m|ft}}.
* The ''Central Balkan Mountains'' run from Arabakonak to the [[Vratnik Pass (Bulgaria)|Vratnik Pass]] with a length of {{convert|207|km|mi}}. [[Botev Peak]], the highest mountain in the Balkan range at {{convert|2376|m|ft}}, is located in this section.
* The ''Eastern Balkan Mountains'' extend from the Vratnik Pass to [[Cape Emine]] with a length of  {{convert|160|km|mi}}. The highest peak is Balgarka at {{convert|1181|m|ft}}. The eastern Balkan Mountains form the lowest part of the range.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Distribution of the height belts in Stara Planina'''
! width="90" | Section
! width="65" | Area,<br>km<sup>2</sup>
! width="30" | %
! width="65" | Average altitude, m
! width="65" | 0 – 200 m, km<sup>2</sup>
! width="30" | %
! width="65" | 200 – 600 m, km<sup>2</sup>
! width="30" | %
! width="70" | 600 – 1000 m, km<sup>2</sup>
! width="30" | %
! width="80" | 1000 – 1600 m, km<sup>2</sup>
! width="30" | %
! width="70" | over 1600 m, km<sup>2</sup>
! width="30" | %
|-
| Western Balkan Mountains|| align="right" | 4 196,9 || align="right" | 36.19 || align="right" | 849 || align="right" | – || align="right" | – || align="right" | 907.1 || align="right" | 21.61 || align="right" | 2 074,9 || align="right" | 49.44 || align="right" | 1 139,6 || align="right" | 27.15 || align="right" | 75.3 || align="right" | 1.79
|-
| Central Balkan Mountains || align="right" | 3 400,9 || align="right" | 29.33 || align="right" | 961 || align="right" | – || align="right" | – || align="right" | 549.8 || align="right" | 16.17 || align="right" | 1 512,7 || align="right" | 44.48 || align="right" | 1 076,7 || align="right" | 31.66 || align="right" | 261.7 || align="right" | 7.70
|-
| Eastern Balkan Mountains || align="right" | 3 998,6 || align="right" | 34.48 || align="right" | 385 || align="right" | 560 || align="right" | 14.00 || align="right" | 2 798,9 || align="right" | 70.00 || align="right" | 624.1 || align="right" | 15.61 || align="right" | 15.6 || align="right" | 0.39 || align="right" | – || align="right" | —
|-
| '''Total''' || align="right" | 11 596,4 || align="right" | 100 || align="right" | 722 || align="right" | 560 || align="right" | 4.83 || align="right" | 4 255,8 || align="right" | 36.70 || align="right" | 4 211,7 || align="right" | 36.32 || align="right" | 2 231,9 || align="right" | 19.25 || align="right" | 337 || align="right" | 2.91
|}

=== Hydrology ===
[[File:Централен Балкан.jpg|thumb|A view of the Balkan Mountains]]
[[File:Shipka-monument-bg.jpg|thumb|right|The monument on [[Shipka Pass|Shipka]]]]
[[File:Centralbalkan.jpg|thumb|right|Central Balkan Mountains]]
[[File:Dolina Rosomacke reke 07.jpg|thumb|Rosomačka river, Serbia]]
[[File:Stara planina14.jpg|thumb|Horses at the Balkan Mountains, Serbia]]

[[File:Staraplanina-krassiu.jpg|thumb|View from Ray Resthouse towards the Central Balkan Mountains with [[Raysko Praskalo]] waterfall in the middle]]
[[File:Белоградчишки скали 07.JPG|thumb|[[Belogradchik Rocks]]]]
[[File:Kozya-stena-dinev.jpg|thumb|Kozya Stena Reserve]]
In their central and eastern sections, the mountains form a water divide between the rivers flowing to the [[Danube]] in the north and those flowing to the [[Aegean Sea]] in the south. However, they are crossed by Bulgaria's longest river, the [[Iskar (river)|Iskar]], which forms the [[Iskar Gorge]]. Rivers that take their source from the Balkan Mountains and flow northwards to the Danube include the [[Timok River|Timok]], [[Archar River|Archar]], [[Lom River|Lom]], [[Tsibritsa]], [[Ogosta]], [[Skat River|Skat]], [[Vit (river)|Vit]], [[Osam]], [[Yantra (river)|Yantra]], and [[Rusenski Lom]]. The mountains are also the source of the [[Kamchiya]], which flows directly into the Black Sea. Although not so abundant in mineral waters as other parts of Bulgaria, there are several [[Spa towns|spa]]s such as [[Varshets]], [[Shipkovo]] and [[Voneshta Voda]].

There are a number of waterfalls, especially in the western and central parts of the range, such as [[Raysko Praskalo]] which is the highest waterfall in the Balkan Peninsula, [[Borov Kamak]], [[Babsko Praskalo]], [[Etropole Waterfall]], [[Karlovsko Praskalo]], Skaklya and others. Developments in the recent two decades completely changed the geography of Serbia, when it comes to waterfalls. Area of the Stara Planina has always been sparsely populated and inaccessible because of the rugged and forested terrain, but also as a location of the Serbian-Bulgarian border. As armies relinquished the borders giving control to the border police, civilians were allowed to explore the area.<ref name="Politika">{{Citation | author = Senka Lučić | title = Koprenski vodopad| newspaper = [[Politika]]-Putovanja | pages = 06 | language = sr | date = 4 April 2012}}</ref> As a result, higher and higher waterfalls have been discovered on the Serbian side of the Stara Planina since then: Čungulj in 1996 - {{convert|43|m|abbr=on}};<ref name=pol>{{Cite news | title = Menjaju geografiju | newspaper = [[Politika]] | pages = 10 | language = sr | date = 1 May 2006 }}</ref> [[Pilj waterfall|Pilj]] in 2002 - {{convert|64|m|abbr=on}};<ref name="pol"/> [[Kopren Waterfall|Kopren]] in 2011 - {{convert|103.5|m|abbr=on}};<ref name="vodopadi">{{Cite web |url=http://www.vodopadisrbije.com/index.php/site/vodopad/79 |title=vodopadisrbije.com Kopren (Stara planina) |access-date=2017-06-16 |archive-date=2017-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228000519/http://www.vodopadisrbije.com/index.php/site/vodopad/79 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Kaluđerski Skokovi]] in 2012 - {{convert|232|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.portalmladi.com/vodopadi-srbije-skriveni-dragulji-stare-planine/ |author= Jelena Đokić |title= Vodopadi Srbije: Skriveni dragulji Stare planine |date=2015| newspaper= Portal Mladi|language=sr}}</ref>

=== Passes ===

The mountains are crossed by 20 passes and two gorges. There are paved roads crossing the Balkan Mountains at the following [[mountain pass|passes]] (listed from west to east):
* [[Petrohan Pass]]: [[Sofia]] - [[Montana, Bulgaria|Montana]]
* [[Iskar Gorge]] (''Iskarski prolom''): Sofia - [[Vratsa]] (also railroad)
* [[Vitinya Pass]]: [[Hemus motorway]] (A2), Sofia - [[Botevgrad]]
* [[Beklemeto Pass]]: [[Troyan]] - [[Sopot, Lovech Province|Sopot]]
* [[Shipka Pass]]: [[Gabrovo]] - [[Kazanlak]] (also railroad)
* [[Pass of the Republic]] (''Prohod na republikata''): [[Veliko Tarnovo]] - [[Gurkovo]]
* [[Vratnik Pass (Bulgaria)|Vratnik Pass]]: [[Elena (town)|Elena]] - [[Sliven]]
* [[Kotel Pass]] (''Kotlenski prohod''): [[Kotel, Bulgaria|Kotel]] - Petolachka (''Pentagram'') crossroads
* [[Varbitsa Pass]] (''Varbishki prohod''): [[Shumen]] - Petolachka crossroads
* [[Rish Pass]] (''Rishki prohod''): Shumen - [[Karnobat]]
* [[Luda Kamchiya Gorge]] (''Ludokamchiyski prolom''): [[Provadiya]] - Karnobat (also railroad)
* Aytos Pass (Aytoski prohod) - [[Provadiya]] - [[Aytos]]
* [[Dyulino Pass]] (''Dyulinski prohod''): [[Varna, Bulgaria|Varna]] - Aytos
* [[Obzor Pass]] (''Obzorski prohod''): Varna - [[Burgas]], future [[Cherno More motorway]] (A5)

=== Peaks ===
* [[Botev Peak]] {{convert|2376|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (named after [[Hristo Botev]])
* Malkiyat yumruk {{convert|2340|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Golyam Kademliya (Triglav) {{convert|2276|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Mlechen chal {{convert|2255|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Zhaltets {{convert|2227|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Paradzhika {{convert|2209|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Vezhen Peak]] {{convert|2198|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Midžor]] {{convert|2169|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, the highest peak in Serbia proper and north-western Bulgaria, 12th in the Balkan Mountains.
* Golyam Kupen {{convert|2169|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Levski Peak (Bulgaria)|Levski]] {{convert|2166|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (named after [[Vasil Levski]])
* Yurushka gramada {{convert|2136|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Martinova chuka {{convert|2111|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Malak Kupen {{convert|2101|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Teteven]]ska Baba {{convert|2071|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Buluvaniya {{convert|2043|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Golyam Krastets {{convert|2034|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Kostenurkata (The Turtle) {{convert|2034|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Oba {{convert|2033|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Kartala {{convert|2031|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Pascal {{convert|2029|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Ravnets {{convert|2020|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Kom Peak]] {{convert|2016|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Kositsa {{convert|2001|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Replyanska tsarkva {{convert|1969|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Golema chuka {{convert|1967|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Svishti plaz {{convert|1888|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Mara Gidia {{convert|1790|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Todorini Kukli {{convert|1785|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Haydushki kamak {{convert|1721|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Murgash {{convert|1687|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Koznitsa {{convert|1637|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Chukava (Golema mountain) {{convert|1588|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Gorno Yazovo {{convert|1573|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Chumerna {{convert|1536|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Ispolin {{convert|1523|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Ravno buche {{convert|1499|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Buzludzha]] {{convert|1441|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Manyakov kamak {{convert|1439|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Guvnishte {{convert|1413|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Golemi Del {{convert|1363|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Vetren Peak {{convert|1330|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Shipka Pass|Shipka]] (Stoletov, St. Nikola) {{convert|1329|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Goten ([[Sofia|Sofiiska]] mountain) {{convert|1294|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
* Petrovski krast {{convert|1206|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

== History ==
[[File:52-manasses-chronicle.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Medieval Bulgarian army|Bulgarian army]] under Khan [[Krum]] defeats the Byzantine Emperor [[Nicephorus I]] in the [[battle of Pliska|battle of the Varbitsa Pass]] in 811, ''[[Constantine Manasses|Manasses Chronicle]]'']]
The Balkan Mountains have had a significant and special place in the history of Bulgaria since its founding in 681. It was a natural fortress of the [[First Bulgarian Empire|Bulgarian Empire]] for centuries and formed an effective barrier to [[Moesia]] where most of the [[medieval]] capitals were located. The Balkan mountains were the site of numerous battles between the Bulgarian and [[Byzantine Empire]]s including the [[Battle of the Rishki Pass]] (759), [[Battle of Pliska|Battle of the Varbitsa Pass]] (811), the [[Battle of Tryavna]] (1190) and the [[Battle of Devina]] (1279). In the battle of the Varbitsa Pass, Khan [[Krum of Bulgaria|Krum]] decisively defeated an enormous Byzantine army, killing Emperor [[Nikephoros I]]. For many centuries the Byzantines feared these mountains, and on several occasions Byzantine armies pulled back on approaching the Balkan Mountains.

During the [[Ottoman Bulgaria|Ottoman rule]], many ''[[haiduk]]s'' found refuge in the Balkan Mountains. Close to the highest summit, [[Botev Peak]], is [[Kalofer]], the birthplace of [[Hristo Botev]], a Bulgarian poet and national hero who died in the western Balkan Mountains near [[Vratsa]] in 1876 in the struggle against the [[Ottoman Empire]]. Also close to Botev Peak is [[Shipka Pass]], the scene of the [[Battle of Shipka Pass|four battles]] in the [[Russo-Turkish War, 1877-78]], which ended Turkish rule in the Balkans.

== Protection ==
=== Bulgaria ===
[[File:Южен Джендем и връх Ботев.jpg|thumb|[[Dzhendema]] reserve within Central Balkan National Park]]
[[File:Steneto.jpg|thumb|Autumn view of Steneto reserve]]
[[File:Сред скалите - Карадила резерват Сините камъни.JPG|thumb|Flora of Karandila reserve within Sinite Kamani Nature Park]]
{{main|Central Balkan National Park|Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|Bulgarka Nature Park}}
Significant areas of the Balkan mountains are under protection by Bulgarian law, including one national park&nbsp;— [[Central Balkan National Park]]; three nature parks&nbsp;— [[Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park]], [[Bulgarka Nature Park]] and [[Sinite Kamani Nature Park]], over 20 nature reserves, as well as numerous natural landmarks. 

Central Balkan National Park is among the largest and most valuable of the protected areas in Europe. Since 2017, its ancient beech forests have been included in the [[Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe|Primeval Beech Forests]] [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref name="plan15">{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|p=15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bulgarian Primeval Beech Forests in "Central Balkan" Added to UNESCO List|url=https://www.bnt.bg/en/a/bulgarian-primeval-beech-forests-in-central-balkan-added-to-unesco-list|website=BNT|publisher=Bulgarian National Television|date=2017-07-12|ref=bnt}}</ref> It is the third largest protected territory in Bulgaria, spanning an area of 716.69&nbsp;km² with total length of 85&nbsp;km from the west to the east and an average width of 10&nbsp;km. Within its territory are located the highest summit of the mountain range, [[Botev Peak]] (2376&nbsp;m), as well as the highest waterfall in the Balkan peninsula [[Raysko Praskalo]] (124.5&nbsp;m).<ref name="plan15"/> The rugged and diverse relief determines the presence numerous gorges, cliffs, waterfalls and caves, including Raychova Dupka, the second deepest cave discovered in Bulgaria and in the mountain range, reaching depth of -377&nbsp;m.<ref name="Raychova Dupka">{{cite web|url=http://caves.4at.info/index.php?cave_id=16|title=Raychova Dupka Cave|website=The Caves of Bulgaria|access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref>

The flora of Central Balkan National Park is diverse and consists of 1689 species of [[vascular plant]]s, 45 species of algae and 238 species of mosses.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|p=47}}</ref> These include 23 Bulgarian endemic species, such as leafy primrose (''[[Primula frondosa]]''), which is only found within the park's boundaries, ''[[Аlchemilla аchtarowii]]'', ''[[Alchemilla jumrukczalica]]'', ''[[Betonica bulgarica]]'', ''[[Centaurea davidovii]]'', as well as another 75 Balkan endemics.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|p=49}}</ref> 

The vertebrate fauna of Central Balkan National Park consists of 309 species. The number of mammal species is 60,<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|p=54}}</ref> including animals of high conservation value, such as [[brown bear]], [[gray wolf]], [[wildcat]], [[marbled polecat]], [[European pine marten]], [[Eurasian otter]], the only population of [[chamois]] within the mountain range, [[European ground squirrel]], [[lesser mole-rat]], [[European snow vole]], etc.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|pp=54-55}}</ref> The avifauna includes 220 species, of which 123 are nesting. The park is important for the protection of the [[eastern imperial eagle]], [[saker falcon]], [[Eurasian eagle-owl]], [[Eurasian pygmy owl]], [[Ural owl]], [[boreal owl]], [[white-backed woodpecker]], [[semicollared flycatcher]] and [[corn crake]].<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|pp=53-54}}</ref> The park's herpetofauna includes 15 reptile and nine amphibian species. It hosts population of national importance of [[Vipera berus|common European adder]], [[viviparous lizard]] and [[common frog]].<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|pp=52-53}}</ref> Due to the park's high altitude, the ichthyofauna consists of six fish species, with [[Salmo trutta fario|brown trout]] being the dominant one.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016|p=52}}</ref> 

Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park is situated in the western section of the mountain range and spans an area of 301.29&nbsp;km².<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|p=9}}</ref> Its territory includes some of the most extensive karst areas in Bulgaria with over 600 caves, such as [[Ledenika]], the gorge [[Vratsata]] whose 400&nbsp;m vertical cliffs are the highest in the Balkans, and numerous waterfalls, such as [[Vratsa waterfalls|Skaklia]] (141&nbsp;m drop but unlike Raysko Praskalo it is seasonal) and [[Borov Kamak]] (63&nbsp;m drop).<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|p=73}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vr-balkan.net/bg/prohodat-vrattsata/|title=Проход Вратцата|website=Official Site of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref> The flora includes 1082 species of vascular plants and 186 species of mosses. The endemism is lowers when compared to the Central Balkan National Park&nbsp;— 6 Bulgarian and another 36 Balkan endemic species.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|pp=139, 143}}</ref> The vertebrate fauna encompasses 276 species.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|p=153}}</ref> The recorded mammal species are 58 and include gray wolf, [[golden jackal]], wildcat, marbled polecat, [[European polecat]], European pine marten and 22 bat species.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|pp=185-194}}</ref> The birds are 181 species, including 124 nesting ones. Typical species are the [[golden eagle]], [[long-legged buzzard]], [[peregrine falcon]], Eurasian eagle-owl, [[Alpine chough]], [[Alpine swift]], [[Eurasian crag martin]], [[red-rumped swallow]], [[wallcreeper]], etc.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|pp=179-185}}</ref> There are 15 reptile and 11 amphibian species; of them important populations exist of the [[Darevskia praticola|meadow lizard]], [[Ablepharus kitaibelii|European copper skink]], [[Balkan crested newt]], as well as the only habitat in Bulgaria of the [[northern crested newt]], which is also its southernmost locality worldwide.<ref>{{harvnb|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011|pp=175-176}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768): a new species for Bulgaria from its southernmost localities|last1=Tzankov|first1=Nikolay|first2=Andrei |last2=Stoyanov|journal=Salamandra|year=2008|issn=0036-3375}}</ref> 

There have been successful efforts in the reintroduction of two vulture species that went extinct from the mountain range in the past several decades. In 2021 the first [[cinereous vulture]] in Bulgaria in nearly 30 years hatched in Kotel mountains in the eastern section of the mountain range, thus establishing the second breeding colony in the Balkans, after the one in north-eastern Greece.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://greenbalkans.org/The-spring-of-the-Cinereous-Vulture-in-Bulgaria-3-7301|title=The first hatched Black Vulture for the last 28 years is now a fact|website=Official Site of Green Balkans|access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref> In recent years, several breeding pairs of [[griffon vulture]] have established themselves in the Vratsa Balkan to the west, as well as in the eastern sections of the Balkan Mountains.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://greenbalkans.org/bg/beloglavite-leshoyadi-zagnezdiha-v-stara-planina-zapochna-razmnozhitelniya-sezon-2021-s-pyrvite-myteshti-dvoyki-vyv-vrachanski-balkan-p7782n|title=The Griffon vultures in the Balkan mountain has already nested – breeding season 2021 has begun with the first incubating pairs in Vrachanski Balkan|website=Official Site of Green Balkans|access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref> The eastern Balkan Mountains are among the priority areas in the reintroduction programme for the [[bearded vulture]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://greenbalkans.org/files/modules_3/7079/2dcy-12172381442-39338.pdf|title=Action Plan and National Strategy for Restoration of the Nesting Population of the Bearded Vulture in Bulgaria|website=Official Site of Green Balkans|access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref> Since the early XXI century there have been several records of the [[Eurasian lynx]], which has been considered extincts in Bulgaria since the 1940s, in a number of localities along the Balkan Mountains.<ref name="red book">{{cite web |url=http://e-ecodb.bas.bg/rdb/bg/vol2/Lylynx.html|title=Eurasian lynx|website=Red Book of Bulgaria, Volume I|accessdate=14 October 2021}}</ref>

=== Serbia ===
[[File:Stara planina06.jpg|thumb|The Nature Park Stara Planina]]
[[File:Предивни водопад Тупавица.jpg|thumb|Tupavica Waterfalls]]
[[File:Stara planina10.jpg|thumb|The Nature Park Stara Planina]]
First group of trees was protected in 1966, followed by the creation of 7 special nature reserves and 3 natural monuments in the 1980s. Nature park Stara Planina was established in 1997 and since 2009 is in its present borders, covering an area of {{convert|1143.22|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Park prirode Stara Planina|year=2016|publisher=Institute for nature conservation of Serbia|url=http://www.zzps.rs/novo/kontent/novosti/425/03%20Prirodne%20vrednosti%20PP%20Stara%20planina.pdf|access-date=2017-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228032416/http://www.zzps.rs/novo/kontent/novosti/425/03%20Prirodne%20vrednosti%20PP%20Stara%20planina.pdf|archive-date=2016-12-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> The protected area was expanded in 2020.<ref>{{cite news | author = Slavica Stuparušić | title = Pod zaštitom 400 hektara | trans-title = 400 hectares under protection | newspaper = Politika | page = 33 | language = sr | date = 12 January 2021 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/470660/Pod-zastitom-400-hektara}}</ref>

The sediments extend from the [[Paleozoic]] to the [[Cenozoic]] eras.<ref name=zastita>{{cite news | author = Slavica Stuparušić | title = Nove granice zaštićenih predela | trans-title = New borders of protected areas | newspaper = Politika | page = 30 | language = sr | date = 27 April 2021 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/477836/Nove-granice-zasticenih-predela}}</ref> Limestone terrain is known for the short [[losing stream]]s and [[tufaceous]] waterfalls. There are canyons and gorges, like those of the [[Temštica|Toplodolska reka]] and ''Rosomačka reka'' rivers.<ref name="Politika1"/> The Rosomača canyon (''Rosomački lonci'' or ''Slavinjsko grlo''), with its {{convert|60|m}} tall, cascade limestone walls, is known for its resemblance of the Colorado's Grand Canyon, but on a much smaller scale. The {{convert|500|m}} long gorge is a remnant of the former cave which eroded in time.<ref>{{cite news | author = Andrijana Cvetićanin | script-title=sr: И ми Гранд кањон за сликање имамо | trans-title = WE also have Grand Canyon to brag about | newspaper = Politika-Magazin, No. 1245 | page = 19 | language = sr | date = 8 August 2021}}</ref> Underground waters on the mountain reach the surface in the forms of common springs, well-springs (''vrelo'') and diffused springs (''pištevina''). There are some 500 springs with the flow of over {{convert|0.1|liter/second|abbr=on}}. The strongest spring is the intermittent ''Jelovičko vrelo'', known for its fluctuations, characterized by the bubbling and foaming.<ref name="Politika1">{{Citation | author = Dr Dušan Mijović | title = Vrela Stare Planine | newspaper = [[Politika]] | language = sr | date = 30 July 2009}}</ref>

[[Montane ecosystems]] are diverse and include several plant communities: forests, shrubs, meadows, pastures and [[peatlands]]. There are six different [[vegetation zones (mountains)|vegetation zone]] in the park. [[Oak]], [[beech]], [[spruce]], [[subalpine]] zone of the shrub vegetation of [[common horsetail]], [[blueberry]], subalpine spruce and [[mugo pine]]. Other plants include shrub [[alder]], steppe [[pedunculate oak]], but also rare and endangered species like [[European pasqueflower]], [[yellow pheasant's eye]], [[Paeonia peregrina|Kosovo peony]], [[common sundew]], [[Heldreich's maple]], [[martagon lily]], [[pygmy iris]] and [[marsh orchid]].<ref name="Politika1"/> In total, there are 1,190 plant species, including a locally endemic winged [[Campanula|bellflower]] (''Campanula calyciliata'') and Pančić's [[Senecio|frog grass]] (''Senecio pancicii''), which can be found only on the mountain. There are also communities of mountainous [[sphagnum]] [[bog]]s on the localities of Jabučko Ravnište, Babin Zub and Arbinje.<ref name=zastita/> Some 350 herb species are considered medicinal or [[Essential oil|aromatic]]. In 2022, several independent surveys from various universities and institutes were conducted, in order to list all of them, to enhance their protection, and to check possibilities for potential plantation production. Vast areas south and southeast from the mountain are already transformed into the aromatic herbs plantations, especially the entire slopes of the nearby mountains being planted with [[lavender]].<ref>{{cite news | script-title=sr: Истраживање биљног света на Старој планини - На једном месту више од хиљаду врста лековитог биља | trans-title = Survey of the plant life on Stara Planina - More than a thousand species of medicinal herbs on one location | newspaper = Politika | page = 08 | language = sr | date = 27 June 2022}}</ref>

In the 1980s, fossils of ''[[Thecodontosaurus]]'' were discovered on the mountain. It is one of the oldest recorded species of dinosaurs, and the remains are estimated to be some 250 million years old.<ref name=tekodont>{{cite news | script-title=sr: Водопади, врела, понорнице и фосили | trans-title = Waterfalls, water springs, sinking rivers and fossils | newspaper = Politika-Magazin, No. 1247 | page = 22 | language = sr | date = 22 August 2021}}</ref>

Some 190 species of butterflies are recorded.<ref name=tekodont/> The area is a [[salmonid]] region, inhabited by the [[Salmo trutta fario|riverine brown trout]]. Another 25 species of fish live in the rivers and streams, so as the [[fire salamander]] and [[newts]].  Over 30 mammalian species are found in the park, including [[lesser mole-rat]], [[hazel dormouse]] and the Tertiary relict, [[European snow vole]].<ref name="Politika1"/> Brown bear became extinct in Serbian part, but evidence showing the presence of the bears were found in 2014. The bears have been photographed in 2015, before disappearing again until 2019 when a young brown bear was filmed on camera.<ref>{{cite news | author = Južne Vesti | title = Mrki medved se vratio na Staru planinu | trans-title = Brown bear returned to Stara Planina | publisher = N1 | language = sr | date = 16 July 2019 | url = http://rs.n1info.com/Lifestyle/a500255/Mrki-medvedi-na-Staroj-planini.html | access-date = 19 July 2019 | archive-date = 21 September 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190921075908/http://rs.n1info.com/Lifestyle/a500255/Mrki-medvedi-na-Staroj-planini.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>

There are 203 species of birds, of which 154 are nesting in the park, 10 are wintering, 30 are passing and 13 are wandering. Important species include [[golden eagle]], [[Ural owl]] and [[hawk]]. As the park is the most important habitat in Serbia for [[long-legged buzzard]], [[Eurasian woodcock]] and an endemic [[horned lark|Balkan horned lark]], an area of {{convert|440|km2|abbr=on}} was declared a European [[Important Bird Area]]. The [[griffon vulture]] disappeared from the region in the late 1940s. In 2017 a program for their reintroduction began within the scope of a wider European program. Among other things, the feeders will be placed along the vultures' migratory route.<ref name="Politika1"/><ref>{{Citation | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Nekontrolisane posete turista ugrožavaju opstanak beloglavnog supa | newspaper = Politika | pages = 14 | language = sr | date = 5 September 2017}}</ref> By 2023, there were regular sightings of griffon vultures, and, thanks to the efforts of Bulgarian and Spanish ornithologists, the cinereous vultures were seen flying over the Serbian side, while the population decline of [[Egyptian vulture]]s was slowed down. Neither griffon nor cinereous vultures are still nesting on Serbian side. The latter has not been nesting since the 1960s, when they were eradicated through the state operated campaign of poisoning wolves.<ref>{{cite news | author = Višnja Aranđelović | title = Beloglavi sup se vraća na Staru planinu | trans-title = Griffon vulture returns to Stara Planina | newspaper = Politika | page = 09 | language = sr | date = 30 July 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/563984/Beloglavi-sup-se-vraca-na-Staru-planinu}}</ref>

Human heritage spans from the prehistoric remains, [[Classical antiquity]] including the [[Roman period]] and [[late mediaeval]] monastic complexes. Some of those older monuments are fragmentary and relocated from their original locations. There are numerous examples of the ethnic edifices characteristic for the architecture of the region in the late 19th and early 20th century (houses, barns, etc.)<ref name="Politika1"/>

Serbian section of the mountain is seen as a location for dozens of [[micro hydro]]s, mini power plants which caused problem with the environmentalists and local population. Even the Ministry for environmental protection halted some of the projects and litigated with the investors. They also announced the change of the Nature protection law, which will permanently forbid the construction of plants in protected areas. In order to prevent further degradation, the Nature Park Stara Planina was nominated for the [[UNESCO]]'s [[Man and the Biosphere Programme]] and for the world list of [[geopark]]s, while over tens of thousands of citizens signed petitions against the micro hydros and numerous protests have been organized by the local population.<ref>{{cite news | author = Slavica Stuparušić | title = Meštani i ekolozi nastavljaju da se bore za Visočicu na Staroj planini | trans-title = Denizens ad ecologists continue to fight for the Visočica and Stara Planina | newspaper = Politika | page = 08 | language = sr | date = 21 August 2018 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/409788/Mestani-i-ekolozi-nastavljaju-da-se-bore-za-Visocicu-na-Staroj-planini}}</ref> This prompted similar protests in other parts of Serbia and the association "Defend the rivers of Stara Planina" was founded, which expanded its base of operations outside of the Stara Planina region. The activism resulted in various physical altercation between the local citizens on one, and contractors and their security guards on the other side, amidst the police interventions.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://rs.n1info.com/a433855/Vesti/Protest-protiv-MHE-mestani-sela-Rakita-vratili-reku-u-korito.html | author = Gordana Bjeletić | title = Protest protiv MHE, meštani Rakite vratili reku u korito | trans-title = Protest against micro hydro, denizens of Rakita returned river to its riverbed | date = 6 November 2018 | publisher = [[N1 (television)|N1]] | language = sr | access-date = 29 December 2018 | archive-date = 16 November 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181116090103/http://rs.n1info.com/a433855/Vesti/Protest-protiv-MHE-mestani-sela-Rakita-vratili-reku-u-korito.html | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Toma Todorović | title = Bitka za vodu u selu Rakita | trans-title = Battle for water in Rakita village | newspaper = Politika | page = 09 | language = sr | date = 15 November 2018 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/415756/Bitka-za-vodu-sela-Rakita}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Toma Todorović | title = Sukob meštana Rakite i obezbeđenja gradilišta mini-hidroelektrane | trans-title = Clashes between the inhabitants of Rakita and securitz guards from the micro hzdro construction site | newspaper = Politika | page = 12 | language = sr | date = 28 December 2018 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/419186/Sukob-mestana-Rakite-i-obezbedenja-gradilista-hidroelektrane}}</ref>

In October 2018, [[Ministry of Environmental Protection (Serbia)|Minister of Environmental Protection]] [[Goran Trivan]], said that the current law allows for the micro hydros to be built in the protected areas.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://rs.n1info.com/a430206/Vesti/Trivan-Trenutni-zakon-dozvolio-MHE-u-zasticenim-prostorima.html | author = Beta | title = Trivan: Trenutni zakon dozvolio MHE u zaštićenim prostorima | trans-title = Current law allows for the micro hydros to be built in the protected areas | date = 23 October 2018 | publisher = N1 | language = sr | access-date = 23 October 2018 | archive-date = 6 November 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181106193750/http://rs.n1info.com/a430206/Vesti/Trivan-Trenutni-zakon-dozvolio-MHE-u-zasticenim-prostorima.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> The government allowed the construction of 800 micro hydros, which has been described as "megalomaniacal" by the ecologists, as they would produce less than 1% of the total electricity. Environmentalists also accused the government of destroying the plant and animal life using the pretext of [[renewable energy]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://nedavimobeograd.rs/nin-cena-diletantizma/ | author = Sandra Petrušić | title = Cena diletantizma | trans-title = The price of dilettantism | date = 9 October 2018 | publisher = NIN | language = sr }}</ref> In September 2019, [[Pirot]] city administration announced it is removing from the spatial plan all 43 existing locations for the micro hydros on the protected area of Stara Planina. There are 15 locations remaining in the unprotected sector of the mountain, but city officials announced abolishing of these locations in the future, too.<ref>{{cite news | script-title=sr: Пирот брише све локације за МХЕ из просторног плана |trans-title = Pirot erases all micro hydro locations from its spatial plan | newspaper = Politika | page = 09 | language = sr | date = 20 September 2019}}</ref>

By the 2020s, Stara Planina became a popular filmmaking locality. With Serbian productions, the foreign movies were also filmed here, including the 2019 Indian action movie ''[[Uri: The Surgical Strike]]''. Its director, [[Aditya Dhar]], expressed surprise with "unremarkable similarity between Stara Planina and [[Kashmir]]". The [[List of Australian submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|2022 Australian Oscar entry]] ''[[You Won't Be Alone]]'' was also filmed on the mountain.<ref>{{cite news | author = Maja Vukadinović | title = Kako je Bolivud otkrio Staru planinu | trans-title = How Bollzwood discovered Stara Planina | newspaper = Politika | pages = 01 & 13 | language = sr | date = 25 July 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/563309/Kako-je-Bolivud-otkrio-Staru-planinu}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Balkans]]
* [[Kom–Emine]], a high-mountain long-distance trail along the main ridge of the Balkan Mountains
* [[List of mountain ranges]]
* [[Rhodope Mountains]], [[Rila]], [[Pirin]], [[Dinaric Alps]], [[Šar mountain]], [[Pindus]], [[Strandzha]]&nbsp;– other major mountain chains in the Balkan region

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist}}

== References ==
* {{cite book | ref={{harvid|Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025|2016}}
 | title = Management Plan of Central Balkan National Park 2016-2025 (План за управление на Национален парк "Централен Балкан" 2016 - 2025 г.)
 | last1 = 
 | first1 = 
 | year = 2016
 | language = bg
 | publisher = [[Ministry of Environment and Water (Bulgaria)|Ministry of Environment and Water]]
 | location = София ([[Sofia]])
 }}
* {{cite book | ref={{harvid|Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park|2011}}
 | title = Management Plan of Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park (План за управление на Природен парк "Врачански Балкан")
 | last1 = 
 | first1 = 
 | year = 2011
 | language = bg
 | publisher = Ministry of Environment and Water
 | location = София (Sofia)
 }}
* {{cite book | ref={{harvid|Donchev|Karakashev|2004}}
 | title = Теми по физическа и социално-икономическа география на България (Topics on Physical and Social-Economic Geography of Bulgaria)
 | last1 = Дончев (Donchev)
 | first1 = Дончо (Doncho)
 | last2 = Каракашев (Karakashev)
 | first2 = Христо (Hristo)
 | year = 2004
 | language = bg
 | publisher = Ciela
 | location = София (Sofia)
 | isbn = 954-649-717-7
 }}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Balkan Mountains}}
{{commons category|Stara planina|Stara planina (Balkan Mountains)}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081229223507/http://www.stara-planina.net/ Regional tourist association]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002938/http://euroregion-sp.eu/ Euroregion Stara Planina]
* [http://bulgariawalking.com/p135-Balkan_Mountains Hiking in Balkan Mountains] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004224219/http://bulgariawalking.com/p135-Balkan_Mountains |date=2013-10-04 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091222033700/http://www.ptica.org/newsletter/Skislopes_WorldBirdWatch_March_2009_lowres-3.pdf Controversy regarding ski resort development in ostensibly protected areas. (World Birdwatch, March 2009)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081229223507/http://www.stara-planina.net/ Tourist portal Stara Planina ]

{{Bulgaria topics}}
{{Protected areas of Bulgaria}}
{{Protected areas of Serbia}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Balkan mountains| ]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Serbia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Serbia]]
[[Category:Balkans]]
[[Category:International mountains of Europe]]
[[Category:Bulgaria–Serbia border]]
[[Category:Geography of Europe]]
[[Category:Landforms of Vidin Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Burgas Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Plovdiv Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Sofia Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Sofia City Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Veliko Tarnovo Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Sliven Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Montana Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Vratsa Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Lovech Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Stara Zagora Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Gabrovo Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Shumen Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Varna Province]]
[[Category:Landforms of Blagoevgrad Province]]
[[Category:Euroregions of Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Euroregions of Serbia]]
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[[Категория:Английская Википедия]]
[[Категория:Википедия]]
[[Категория:Статья из Википедии]]
[[Категория:Статья из Английской Википедии]]