Historic Landmark
Markeli Fortress

Medieval Byzantine fortress Markeli is located 7.5 km southwest of the city Municipality. The etymology of the name informs us that the most likely interpretation of Markeli is "big spring ", " big river " or " marsh spring ", " marsh river" .

Protective shafts and trenches that surround it centuries ago can still be seen today. The total area of Markeli is 460 acres and the length of the walls is 530 meters in carefully assessing the situation , you will see that the castle is extremely well positioned strategically , and history confirms this .

The castle was built in the late V - early sixth century plateau on which it is situated, provides a great visual connection in all directions, passages and fortifications , except the east. The strategic position of the brand it a key point on the road Constantinople - Adrianople - Pliska and Preslav - the Danube. Not surprisingly, several major battles associated with her ​​name

The first one took place in the 60s of the VIII century . Bulgarian Khan Vineet such Vokil had just ascended to the Bulgarian throne, decided to ask the Byzantine ruler Constantine V Kopronim to pay his tax built fortresses. Followed haughty refusal , which Vineet responded with war. After a series of battles between Bulgaria and Byzantium , the Bulgarian ruler was defeated at the fortress that is the brand. In 792, Khan Kardam take revenge - on July 20 in a fierce battle killed hundreds of soldiers , dozens of Byzantine aristocrats , including the Byzantine astrologer who a day earlier had predicted victory for Byzantium. Very close to be captured was himself Byzantine emperor Constantine VI. In this battle ended the war and the contract was signed , according to which Bulgaria received annual tax.

Most interesting , however, is the role of the fort Markeli in May 811 years during the reign of Khan Krum. Its strategic location makes emperor Nikifon I Genikos it is here to take march to the walls of the Bulgarian capital Pliska , pass them and it plundered and burned . As we know, lucky star left the Byzantine emperor on the way back and he was beheaded .

Historical evidence suggests that the most likely unique to the Balkans fortress was destroyed in Cuman attack on the Byzantine Empire in 1090 .

Other attractions that can be found in the area of Karnabat are the houses of the writers Dimitar Polyanov and Minko Nevolin , "St. John the Theologian " , the clock tower of Burgas and Turkish bath hamam Sinanbeyov .

• Fortress