Because of the early success of traditional weaving, some private individuals in 1880 decided to establish modern workshops and factories in Bulgaria. This marked the beginning of the country’s move from small-scale home weaving to large-scale industrial textile production.
The first examples came from the towns of Gabrovo and Sliven, which became pioneers in modern manufacturing. Both towns built large factories that were equipped and managed according to the most modern industrial methods of the time. Following their example, other towns also began to open textile factories, including Samokov and Kazanlik.
Thanks to this rapid progress, Bulgaria soon became the leading country in weaving on the Balkan Peninsula Sightseeing Sofia.
Statistics on the Bulgarian Weaving Industry
The table below shows some interesting statistics about the weaving industry in Bulgaria at that time:
Town Number of Factories Number of Spindles Hydraulic Horsepower Steam Horsepower Power Looms Hand Looms
Gabrovo 7 6,400 385 370 92 —
Sliven 14 8,016 200 240 85 121
Samokov 2 1,020 65 16 15 —
Karlovo 1 1,244 40 80 12 —
Kazanlik 1 850 — 100 8 —
Kotel 1 300 10 — — 6
Total 26 17,830 700 806 212 127
These figures show how quickly the weaving industry developed within a short period. The total value of all weaving sheds and factories was estimated at around 5,500,000 francs, which was a very large amount at that time.
Bulgarian Capital and National Effort
An important fact is that the entire capital invested in these factories was Bulgarian. It came from the hard work, savings, and persistence of Bulgarian citizens rather than from foreign investors. This proves the strong entrepreneurial spirit of the Bulgarian people, who were determined to build their own industries despite limited resources.
However, it is also true that if foreign capital had been involved, the industry might have developed even faster and on a larger scale. To attract future investors, the Bulgarian government introduced a protectionist tariff, which aimed to safeguard and encourage national industries, especially textiles.
A Promising Future for Bulgarian Weaving
The success of the weaving industry in towns like Gabrovo and Sliven demonstrates Bulgaria’s ability to combine traditional skill with modern industrial methods. With continued support from the government, investment in technology, and better access to capital, Bulgaria’s textile sector could grow into one of the strongest in Southeastern Europe.