TUIDA

On October 14 to 15 / weekends / 2017. In the territory of Fortress Tuida held Third medieval festival "Remember the glory" in honor of Dimitrovden's feast. Thousands visited the event during the two festive days. The organizers of the event were the Municipality of Sliven, the team of Tuida fortress the Medieval Martial Arts Club - "Ratina" - Sliven.
With the demonstrations of the medieval military arts, in the fortress of Tuida once again the old Bulgarian military tradition - the fall of the troops, which the Bulgarians carried on the day of the dragon fighting and great martyr Dimitar Mirotochivi (from Thessaloniki) - who, as you know, is also a patron of our city. This is a tradition, the traces of which are lost far back in the Bulgarian Middle Ages and which is documented in the historical sources from the time of the Ottoman domination on our lands.
This tradition remains unchanged until the abolition of the soldier or warwoman institution at the beginning of the 19th century, and the echoes of it are so. "soldier dispatches" from the recent past, which many of us still remember.
Some of the demonstrations that took place in the Third medieval festival "Remember the glory - Tuida 2017" were:
Combat skills from land. "As well as the self-sufficient skills needed in the Fighting Battle, these disciplines have also served as a preparation for work with weapons from the horse's back. As we know, the action with a weapon on the back of the horse was a wreath in the preparation of the Bulgarian medieval warrior, but to get there, he needed hard training from the ground.
The most significant medieval military art of the horse nations of the Eurasian continent and in particular the Bulgarians, of course, was the archery. According to the traditions of these peoples, all the wars were trained and should have been able from the earliest age to shoot fast and skillfully from both the ground and the horse in all directions and all the alluviums. This required the warrior to quickly pull out and put the arrow, stretch the bow of the bow, measure calmly, and place the arrow accurately and timely on the target. In tactical terms, archers were required to force a quick and massive shot of the enemy, or to lead a strong and accurate shooting on pre-set targets.
The main weapons used in the encounter between the wars of this era were the spear, the sword, as well as the battle axes and maces. The warriors were trained both in the throwing of spears and in one-handed combat against each other with a shield and a weapon in hand, by horse or by land. They should be able to ride skillfully and run hard, throw the spear with a wide swing and punch it deep into the target. In the breasts of chest, they hid their left shoulder with the shield and stood firm or maneuvering skillfully fought with a spear, sword or axe. Besides, the warriors were skillful to change weapons into battle by serving one or the other, depending on the case they were given.
Combat skills from horse. - During most of the Middle Ages, especially during the VIII-X century, the time of the First Bulgarian Kingdom, the decisive factor for the victories of the Bulgarians was the use in the battle of a numerous, mobile and well-armed cavalry. Whether cunning tactics were used or an open fight, it was the cavalry that assumed the ultimate weight of the battle, the decisive blow, and pursued the enemy until its complete destruction. The cavalry, therefore, remained the main, if not the only, strictly distinct kind of army, almost to the end of the First Kingdom.

The training and upbringing of the horse warrior has always been and continues to be a lengthy and difficult process requiring intense, purposeful and long-term training. The first and most important condition for the growth of such a warrior is the good riding training, which in the past started from the earliest childhood.
That however, was not enough. Riding training from an early age was accompanied by work with weapons and, above all, archery training.
The bow and other weapons were first mastered by the land, and once the warriors gained confidence in horse riding and driving, they could transfer what they had learned to the back of the fighting horses. Initially the horsemen ride with their guns without acting with them so they can get used to both the horses and the horses.
After gaining confidence, they started to work with the weapon itself, riding the various allure, aiming to prepare the cavalry to perfection in dexterity and skillful weaponry, even in the fastest horse-stroke. With this, the single training of the wars, which in fact continued for years, was at the end, and the assemblies of the various troops and divisions and their training for use on the battlefield were completed.
During the event a demonstration was held with the Draco Hunting Bird, grown in Tuida Fortress - the falconry or the art of training and hunting with birds of prey has accompanied the life of man and, in particular, of the Bulgarian of the most ancient times. However, few are aware that this is also one of the most noble military arts in the Middle Ages, the representatives of which form even a separate military army, known as the craftsmen or falcons, and during the Ottoman times and as doggies. Our medieval city, which is home to the remains of a hawk-eagle and a great snail-cocoon, is one of the places where this art evolved from ancient times to the last centuries of the Ottoman domination, or more precisely until the 30s of 19th Century, when soldiers recruited classes of Bulgarians are completely disenfranchised.
A total of 150 reconstructors from across the country contributed to the full reproduction of the life of Bulgarians in the Middle Ages. For their excellent work and diligence, they speak of their long experience in experimental archeology and the study of medieval traditions. Memorable participation in the third edition of the form took place:

Medieval martial arts club -" Rathina "- Sliven. The club was founded on 22.11.2015, on the day when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the death of the Bulgarian saint Michail Warrion. The club is named after a legendary and long-lost ancient book, mentioned in the collection of ritual folk songs - "Veda Slovena", which contained the songs that the Bulgarians sang when fighting in battle with their enemies ". The main goal of the Club Ratina is the study of the Bulgarian military work in the Middle Ages and its preservation in the form of traditional military art. The activity of Ratina Club is aimed at recreating the medieval fighting culture of the Bulgarians and it’s values by exercising the body in certain forms of the armed struggle - archery, savage combat, copying and percussion weapons, etc. The club's activities include: reconstruction of the medieval Bulgarian arms and clothing, as well as the presentation of the various social and cultural aspects of the military life and life of the population in the early medieval fortress of Tuida-Sliven. The Association has participated in numerous historical reunions and congregations held by other organizations, such as: "Ancestor Days" and "The Roots of Bulgarian" at the National Academy of Arts "Pliska"; "The Everyday Life of the Middle Ages Tarnovgrad"; Festival of Medieval Traditions, Beat and Culture "Kaleto - Mezdra"; National Medieval Council "Magic Madara"; The Battle of Markelli - Karnobat; Medieval Fair "Goodness and Glory" - Shumen; The Battle of Aheloy and others. In June 2017, at the invitation of the Ascension Foundation, the club also visited the town of Châle di Bulgeria in southern Italy, where it participated in the celebrations for one year from the opening of the monument of the Bulgarian ruler, Alcek - who led and settled his people The Apennine peninsula, in the second half of the VII century.

Traditional Bulgarian archery group "Siva" – Maglizh. The group was established in 2015 with head Nina Yankova. The name of the group is borrowed from the historical chronicle Jaghfar-Tarihi, according to which SIVA is the other name of Alp Bars, a god of justice and a judge among the Alps. The group specializes in traditional archery from land and horse, as well as working with other medieval weapons. The mission of "SIVA" is to preserve and recreate the image and spirit of the Bulgarian woman-warrior. Besides participating in many medieval gatherings, the wars of "SIVA" represent Bulgaria and a number of international competitions for traditional archery of land and horse. The last event of the group is from the international traditional archery competition from Beijing - China 2016, and their manager Nina Yankova is a horse rider champion - Bigа 2012 in Turkey and a multiple participant in the Eurasian traditional archery competition - Adana, Turkey 2016.

Association for restoration and preservation of the Bulgarian traditions "Avitohol" - Varna.
The association was established in 2012 in Varna. Its main objectives are: - Searching, researching, restoring and preserving Bulgarian traditions and historical heritage; the military, the life and culture of the Bulgarians. From 2012 till now, the Association organizes and conducts the historical events "Days of the Ancestors" and "The Roots of Bulgaria" at the National Academy of Arts "Pliska". It also participates annually in many other historical reunions and reunions held in the country such as: "Remember the glory!" - fortress Tuida - Sliven; "The Everyday Life of the Middle Ages Tarnovgrad"; International Festival for Ancient Cultures "The Sun of Todorka" - village of Ohoden, Municipality of Vratsa; Festival of Medieval Traditions, Beat and Culture "Kaleto - Mezdra"; National Medieval Council "Magic Madara"; Historic Abritus Festival; The Battle of Markelli - Karnobat; Medieval Fair "Goodness and Glory" - Shumen; Historical Festival in Amese Park - Budapest, Hungary and others. More recently in August 2013, under the aegis of the association, was also the first major rebuilding of the Battle of Aheloy.

School horse riding ,, Madara Horseman "- Sofia presents breakneck gallop and marksmanship from horseback, School of Traditional Archery" Living arrow - archery from horseback - Bulgaria "with a demonstration of rapid gunfire and rain of arrows , training of young wars and battles between horseman and footman. The two schools are presented at the Third Medieval Assembly "Remember the Glory - Twida 2017" by Dimitar Troukanov and Dimitar Troukanov Junior - father and son.
Group for the Historical Reconstruction of the Medieval Military and Behavior Vereni - Sofia
The group was set up in 2016 year after participating in the Second Medieval Fair "Remember the Glory" at the Tuida Fortress. The year 2017 is particularly dynamic for Vereni and is filled with many events in the country - festivals in Pliska, Asenovgrad, Peshtera, Lovech, Veliko Tarnovo, Aheloy, Sofia and abroad - Battle of the 1000 Swords (Russia) and the festivals in Volyn (Poland) Manassia (Serbia) and Drobeta Severin (Romania). At present, the focus of the group's activities is the military and nobility of the northern peoples in the 9-11 century, as well as our local traditions and history. Their ambition is also to master and reconstruct crafts from the period by making the most of their equipment based on a study of historical sources and archaeological finds.
Association for Historical Reconstructions "Chigot" - Varna. - The association is a group of historical restorations, whose name derives from the Old Bulgarian word for "swordsmith" - or an elite warrior bodyguard. The group was formed in 2004. and deals with the rebuilding of armament, clothing and various aspects of the life of the Late Middle Ages (the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and later, the Battle of Varna, 1444). Their activities include historical fencing, lectures, battles, camps, medieval performances and processions. The main goals of the association are to study, recreate and preserve the Bulgarian medieval history, life, culture and art and to popularize them with a wide audience both in the country and abroad. The most emblematic event for the association, however, is the King's Last Battle - an annual, massive rebuilding of the famous battle of King Vladislav III Yagelo against the Ottomans near Varna.
National Company "Tradition" - regional branch town of Veliko Tarnovo. The company is an organization with over 10 years of experience in the reconstruction movement. The group has a strong experience in recreating the Bulgarian Middle Ages - the revival and preservation of various authentic crafts such as leather processing, papermaking, carpentry and the production of household items, cops and shepherd carving, forging, milling and casting in open molds, medieval sweeping machines, crossbows, bows, arrows and more. The female section can demonstrate dyeing with natural dyes, looping and vertical looms, various types of embroidery and knitting of lace and garments. The group also presents some church rituals from the period, and the accompanying monastery writing books, school and painting school. Various games for children and adults from the Middle Ages have been recreated. Last but not least, the demonstration of medieval cuisine can show an up-and-coming medieval kitchen in which to prepare meals for demonstration or feeding the entire camp. Combat skills include archery and archery, and organized battles such as spearmen team and squad machine estimates.
Moduvs Vivendi is a cultural and historical society that deals with research, study and experimental reconstruction of different aspects of life and culture from the age of the mature Middle Ages (1000-1300) in the Bulgarian lands , Western and Northern Europe, and the Crusades in the Middle East and the Balkans. MODVS VIVENDI's research includes historical, archeological and cultural studies and research in the field of Bulgarian and European media studies, translation and popularization of medieval historical sources. Experimental activity of MODVS VIVENDI includes annually conducted medieval camps, historical fencing, archery, cooking, music, costume, armaments, household items and various other thematic workshops and practical projects.
Association "Sitalk-Historical Reconstructions" - Plovdiv.  The Association is dedicated to popularizing and acquainting with the history of the Bulgarian lands and the region, from the Thracians through the Gothic to the Middle Ages. Driven by the interest in history through re-creation and demonstration of ancient customs, religious rituals, cuisine, martial demonstrations, or just moments of the lives of our ancestors, they carry a piece of the past into our time. Their motto is the Latin saying "Historiq magistra vitae est" or "History is a teacher of life".
Association DUKS Antique - Svishtov - The Association was founded in 2016. Its ambitions are to present a full-fledged picture of a border military unit from the northern border of the Eastern Roman Empire. In these lands, the Romanized Gothic Feders who adopted Christianity in the fourth century established themselves as the core of the Constantinople Army during the early and the real Middle Ages. Coming from the north, along with their everyday life and culture, they bring bright shades in the palette of the imperial peoples. Besides warfare, the Svishtov association presents the bits, crafts, clothing and rituals of the northern provinces during the period. In its current first season, Dusk Antika recorded successful participations in historical restorations in Medjugorje - Romania, Svishtov, Yambol, Nicopolis ad Istrum, Ceramic Center Pavlikeni and Aheloy, and in cooperation with the local municipality and museum organizes the Festival of Historic Heritage in the Hothalic Archaeological Reserve , Sevlievo.
Cohors II Lucensium is a group of antique restorations. It is led by archaeologists from the regional historical museum in Yambol. The group recreates different moments from the military and civilian life of the Roman soldiers and the local Thracian population from Kabyle in II - III c. The Cohors II Lucensium itself is an auxiliary part of the Roman army. It is the equiva (mixed). It consists of 480 soldiers and 120 horsemen. It was created in the first half of the 1st century. The soldiers in the cohort were recruited by the tribal tribes of the Western Iberian peninsula. The cohorts are held in Kabile from 136 to 193.
Krum Yapulov - Sofia - the ancient traditions of the military horse riding. Jiggling has emerged as an art of riding in different peoples since ancient times. When there was still no clear definition under jiggling in the broad sense of the word, they meant galloping, during which the rider showed his dexterity, courage and high skill in horse possession. The main crushing force in the Bulgarian army was the cavalry. In fact, until the formation of Danube Bulgaria, and then the Bulgarians fought exclusively on horses. Each warrior went to war with at least two horses - one for riding and one for reserve. The wars could do almost everything on the horses, even eat and sleep on them. The Bulgarian wars also trained to ride on the side of the horse or under his belly, thus hiding from the enemy's arrows and spears. They could imitate that they were hit by an arrow or other weapon and hang like a slap on the side of the horse, and then, misleading their pursuers, suddenly stood up and used their weapon by striking their enemy with surprise. Krum Yapulov keeps and maintains the historical horse traditions and demonstrates the transformation of man and horse into a whole.
Kalina Atanasova - reconstructor and designer of historical costumes from Varna, implemented the initiative "Calendar of Historical Reconstructions in Bulgaria" and the project "The Bulgarian Medieval Costume" and also the author of the book "Renovations of the Medieval Bulgarian Apparel (XIII - XIVth .) "..
Nadezhda Nikolova - Shumen - reconstruction of clothing and accessories
Penko Tsankov and Dimitar Tsankov - Varna - Reconstruction and elaboration of medieval armament.
Emil Marinov - Shumen - master hammersmith
Ivan Rendakov - Plovdiv - mastermind, but in the heart - a dreamer from the Middle Ages. She says for herself that she is awake, who can not stand still, put into the life bag. Master craftsmen - from fine metal armchairs and heavy helmets to jewels of glass. In his spare time he works as a free reconstructor. Exquisitely crafted master of medieval jewelry, appliqués and belt trimmings, beads and medallions, armor, helmets, boots and an uncountable list of all medieval accessories made of metal, bronze, silver, glass and leather.
Lubomir Milinov - Sofia - a trader of various kinds of wine from honey, such as Old Slavic honey wine, Tarnovo honey wine, Honey wine Dvoynak, Honey wine Poltorak and others. He took part in many medieval events.
Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances “Sliven” - was established in 1959 in the town of Sliven for searching and creative recreation of the Bulgarian folklore, for making the stage and on the air the beauty of the authentic folklore models, as well as for the creation of folklore works with the participation of contemporary composers, choreographers, musicians , artists, poets. In 1977 he received the status of a Professional Ensemble. His repertoire contains many songs and dances from the enormous folklore heritage of the Sliven region, as well as music and dance compositions from all regions of the country. For the first time in the Medieval Assembly "Remember the Glory" took part the orchestra at the Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances - Sliven, who performed specific arrangements for the period.
The format is one of the main activities of the fortress, through which the destination is popularized and gaining increasing popularity over the years. The Medieval Fair "Remember the Glory" received a nomination for 2016. in the Read and Travel magazine for events in the Cultural Tourism sector.
The third Medieval Fair "Remember the Glory - Tuida 2017" started the festive program for the celebration of Sliven – the day of St. Dimitar. The event was included in the information tour for the tourism industry, organized by the Municipality of Sliven. Tour operators, travel agencies, travel bloggers, and journalists have become acquainted with the potential and potential of the Medieval Fortress of Tuida.
On the occasion of the third Medieval Fair “Remember the Glory” - Tuida 2017 in Sliven, the ILoveBulgaria mobile platform promotes a lottary game. When scanning the code from the plate placed in the mobile application, no 2 and 10 points were generated in the two festival days - Saturdays and Sundays. Scanning is automatically included in the prize draw - 1 hour archery. The winner will be announced on October 26 - The Holiday of Sliven.
In 2016. Late Antiquity and Medieval fortress "Tuida" won the prize "Tourist Attraction / Object of the Year" in the First Annual Awards of the Ministry of Tourism and took the Golden Rose to Sliven for 2017. The fortress is growing in visits by foreign tourists and Bulgarian tourists from increasingly distant destinations. In addition to the Medieval Fair "Remember the Glory", a series of events are being organized and held this year - a Magical Performance Show on the occasion of the International Museum Day; participation in Carnival "Machine of Time" dedicated to European Museum Night; First June Children's Day - "The Games of the Past" ; Youth Summer Camp "Tuida -2017" to prevent drug use and assimilation of healthy behavioral patterns; Acrobatic show of the children from the Sport Club of Acrobatics "Stefan Danchev - Sliven"; Scientific Cafe FRESH: Archeology - a word about the past or the excitement of being the discoverer of the European Night of Scientists; Highlighting the International Tourism Day; Participation in European Heritage Days, etc.
The developments around Tuida Fortress don’t stop it. For the first time the object presented its museum animations at the International Exhibition "Cultural Tourism - Veliko Tarnovo". In 2017 the archeological research of the fortress resumed, which immediately gaven the results. Late-Ancient and Medieval fortress Tuida is part of the cultural-cognitive route "The Whisper of History" by which the Municipality of Sliven has applied for the selection of new EDEN destinations, organized within the framework of the project "CULTURAL TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN BULGARIA" GRO / SME / 16 / C / 071-TOURISM.
For the upcoming season 2018. Tuida Fortress will offer new programs and initiatives to its visitors.