town, eastern Bulgaria. It lies at the foot of the Preslav Mountains, 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Shumen. Founded by the Proto-Bulgarians in the 8th century and called Yeski Stambolchuk (Eski Stambul), it served as capital of Bulgaria under Simeon the Great in the 10th century. It is now an agricultural centre specializing in wine, fruit, and pigs. Pop. (2001) 16,276.