Shumla
or SHUMA, a fortified town of Bulgaria; on the Little Balkan, to the N. of the main range, at an elevation of 800 feet; 50 miles W. of Varna; and 60 S. E. of Rustchuk. It is of great strategical importance, commanding as it does the roads from the fortresses in the Lower Danube and in the Dobrudscha, and those from the E. passes of the Balkans. It is closed in on the N. and W. by mountains, and looks out to the E. and S. on an open plain where grain and the vine are cultivated and where there is extensive silk culture. Surrounded by high massive walls, it is further defended by by a citadel on the heights, and by several forts. The town has many mosques, large barracks for cavalry and artillery as well as infantry, an arsenal, military hospital, etc. There are manufactures of copper and tin wares, silk, leather, and wearing apparel. A great fair is held in June. The Russians failed to take the town in 774, 1810, and 1828.
No attempt on it was made in the war of 1877-1878, but the place was evacuated SHUTTLE by the Turks on the conclusion of peace, Pop. about 22,000.