The first Bulgarian bicycle, constructed between 1880 and 1882 in Nova Zagora, is currently on display at the town’s History Museum, according to curator Georgi Kamburov. The bicycle was built by Geno Stoyanov, known as Arabadzhiyata, when he was only nineteen years old. Kamburov noted that Arabadzhiyata was an inventive hereditary wheelwright who also contributed to various technical innovations.
Arabadzhiyata’s life was marked by hardship; he was orphaned during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) after his family relocated to Nova Zagora due to repression. Despite these difficulties, he established a family and became a recognized local figure, dedicated to his craft, gardening, and technical experimentation. Technically, the bicycle adheres to the Western European “spider” design common to the era, featuring a large front wheel and a significantly smaller rear wheel.
Although factory-made bicycles began appearing in the early 1880s, Arabadzhiyata’s creation remained a unique, handcrafted piece, notably possessing a rudimentary braking system distinguishing it from contemporary models. The artifact joined the museum collection around 1961. Its significance grew in 1969 when it was featured in a national exhibition on technical culture in Plovdiv.
Today, the original bicycle in Nova Zagora remains a testament to early Bulgarian craftsmanship and technical thought. While copies exist in Sofia, the original is preserved in good condition following a 2018 renovation, emphasizing its value to the local history of Zagora.
Topics: #bicycle #nova #zagora
