Nevrokopskiyat Panair.

The first records on the Nevrokop fair date as far back as the 11th century. There were a number of economically significant fairs in the territory of Bulgaria, which have been studied extensively by historians. However, the equally important and significant Nevrokop fair has not received much attention from either Bulgarian historians or economists. Despite the fact that the Ottoman conquest of the Nevrokop area interrupted the fair’s activities for a while, the Ottoman rulers soon realized the fair’s significant economic benefits. The fair restarted its operations with unchanged dates of August 1-15 every year and with the same location of Hirova Meadow. The fair was very important for the political and spiritual life of Bulgarians in this area. Its annual occurence became a demonstration and celebration of Bulgarian national authenticity and national traditions, which were expressed in a festival of dancing, music, singing, and games. In the mid 19th century, the fair became one of the most well-known fairs in the Ottoman Empire. Nevrokop produced a variety of agricultural products, as well as manufactured goods. Iron ore and iron products, furs, cotton and wool products, tools, knives, nails, guns, musical instruments, tobacco, paper products, honey, wheat, corn, wine, wax, sheep, and goats were all traded at the fair. Located at an important crossroads, it attracted as many as 77,000 people, who came from all of the territories of the Empire, but also from Austria, Saxony, England, and France, among others. The regular contact with foreigners increased the interest of locals in European education and culture. European ideas had major influence on the renaissance of the national movement in Macedonia. The fair became an important center for the national liberation movement. Revolutionary books and ideas were secretly exchanged at the fair. The Nevrokop fair lost its significance after the Congress of Berlin, which separated this area from the territory of Bulgaria. Although the fair has lost its economic significance, it is still an annual event. The author proposes that efforts should be made to revive the fair and make it a site for an international folklore festival, which would demonstrate good will between Balkan and EU neighbor nations. The author expresses the hope that with some effort, the fair’s economic significance may increase, as well.