Water-related Natural Disasters as a Barrier to Development. The Example of Karlovo in the early 20th century

The socio-economic situation of the town of Karlovo and the surrounding area after 1878 was difficult, and the prospects for economic development were uncertain. The new economic realities and free competition accelerated the process of decline of the old crafts and livelihoods, while the local authorities and the central government failed to support the local craft and textile industries. The transition from proto-industrial to factory production proved unsuccessful in the first decades after 1878, despite isolated successful initiatives. A significant, but not sufficiently studied factor hindering the development of Karlovo and the region during this period were natural disasters, especially water-related ones. This paper will examine the consequences of water-related natural disasters that were a significant barrier to the economic development of Karlovo in the early 20th century. As will be seen, these processes were not isolated only around the Balkan Mountain, but occurred throughout Thrace, north-central and southwestern Bulgaria. In 1905 and 1910, two major water-related natural disasters occurred, causing considerable damage to the population and the underdeveloped economy of the town and the region. The paper traces how and why such devastating consequences occurred, and what measures were taken by local and central government to solve the problem? Were they successful or did vested interests and local power struggles prevailed?