Dimitrovgrad, which was formed by the consolidation of three villages – Rakovski, Mariyno, and Chernokonevo, boasts a rich past that extends back to the Paleolithic Age. The fertile lands situated by the Maritsa and Merichlerska rivers lured inhabitants to settle there for thousands of years. The city’s name is associated with momentous historic occurrences such as the Third Crusade and Tsar Kaloyan’s triumphs in Trakiya. It has withstood numerous conquerors throughout time, including the Ottoman Turks. Rakovski, previously known as Kayadzik and renamed in 1925, played a significant role in the development of the region’s agriculture, industrialisation, and coal mining. Mariyno, formerly known as Kokardzha, underwent a name change in 1897, while Chernokonevo, previously named Chernichevo, was renamed in 1906 due to changing circumstances. Dimitrovgrad was officially granted city status in 1947, rapidly emerging as an industrial hub with cement plants, fertiliser factories, power plants, and coal mines. It places great value on green spaces and culture, with parks, gardens, theatres, and even an amateur planetarium. Dimitrovgrad is a vibrant and historically significant Bulgarian city that maintains global cultural links with twin cities across the world. Today Dimitrovgrad is also member of B40 Balkan Cities Network.