Jewish cemetery in Dupnitsa, Jewish cemetery on hillside, Dupnitsa, Bulgaria
The Jewish cemetery sits on a hillside in Dupnitsa and holds many gravestones made of granite and sandstone, carved with inscriptions in both Hebrew and Bulgarian. The stones vary in size and style, marking different periods when people were buried here over several centuries.
The cemetery began in the 16th century after Sephardic Jews migrated from Thessaloniki, and it remained in active use until 1979. This long history shows how a Jewish community remained present in the region for over 400 years.
The gravestones feature Hebrew and Bulgarian inscriptions side by side, showing how the Jewish community adapted to life in this region while keeping their traditions. Walking through, you notice how the two languages coexist on nearly every stone, revealing a story of cultural roots planted in Bulgarian soil.
A paved path runs through the center of the cemetery, making it easier to navigate the site and view the stones. The location on a hillside means the ground is uneven, so sturdy shoes are advisable for a comfortable walk.
During World War II, the town briefly held an internment camp where people from annexed territories faced detention under harsh conditions. This dark chapter remains a little-known but significant part of the town's history.
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