Dryanovo Fortresses and Monasteries and the Asenevtsi Dynasty

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Abstract:

Unique medieval monasteries and fortresses have been found around the area of Dranovo located on the rocky heights and plateaus of Strinava and Boruna right above the Dranovo monastery and the valley of the Dryanovska River, as well as the ancient roman trade center Diskoduratera. A number of local toponyms, legends and tales reveal that these lands were once the estates of the Tarnovo tsars – the Asenevstci brothers, who back in 1185 liberated Bulgaria from the Roman rule, laying the foundations of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12-14 century), making Veliko Tarnovo it’s capital. Local place names like Tsareva livada, Tsar Asenik, Tsaryuvishteto, Tsar Kaloyanik, Kumanite, etc., are still used around Dryanovo and the Dryanovo monastery. It was here that the Asenevtsi tsars erected monasteries to honour their saints - St. Petka and St. Michael the warrior, whose relics were once carried through the area. Only St. Michael the Archangel Monastery exists to this day. The Drayanovo fortresses played a crucial role in the great victory of tsar Petar IV (1185–1197) and tsar Ivan Asen I (1190–1196) against Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos at the Tryavna pass in 1190. The medieval fortresses and monasteries around the area of Dranovo were an integral part of the fortified capital complex and cultural center of Tsarevgrad Tarnov.

Keywords:

Dryanovo monastery, Dryanovo Fortresses, Diskoduratera, Tsareva livada, Tsar Asenik, Tsaryuvishteto, Tsar Kaloyanik, Kumanite

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