Newspaper "Az-buki": "Sharena Fabrika" Gives a Future to Crafts

With thanks to the team at Az-buki, we share part of the article by editor Petya Nikolova and her conversation with Yuri Staikov about the future development plans for the "Sharena Fabrika."

"Located 32 km from Troyan and just an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Sofia, Golyama Zhelyazna has been an important artisanal and commercial center since the beginning of the last century. The village benefits from its proximity to the large "Sopot" reservoir, which attracts tourists and sustains local activity. Troyan, renowned today as the town of crafts, is another factor that has tipped the scales in favor of the mountain village and the idea to 'Let's revive an old school!'

From the spark that ignited the desire to revive the old school, a concept was first formed for an artisanal school, and subsequently for a culinary school as well. The future educational campus of the 'Colorful Cooperative' association, titled 'Colorful Factory,' will embody this dual purpose. To be more precise, the idea of the small, enthusiastic team - Rositsa Mutafchieva, Anna Bulgaranova, and Yuri Staikov - is to transform the entire village of Golyama Zhelyazna into a center for arts and crafts."

"The undertaking is substantial. Serious renovations are needed not only for the school building and its adjacent structures but also for the village bakery and bathhouse, which are also part of the plan.

"It is extremely important to us that the complex offers security, tranquility, and the best possible conditions for students, teachers, and visitors," says Yuri Staikov. "We have begun the reconstruction of the old school, the dormitory, as well as the buildings housing the bakery and bathhouse. We will renovate and adapt them to meet new standards for public buildings—ensuring fire safety, energy efficiency, earthquake resistance, and accessibility for people with disabilities."

Read the full article HERE.