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Varna, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's principal seaport, Varna is known as a shipbuilding and naval center. The town was founded in the 6th century B.C., and came under the authority of the Turks in 1391. It was the site of a major battle in 1444, when the Turks defeated the Hungarians and killed the King of Poland and Hungary, thereby retaining their control of the area. Varna was ceded to Bulgaria by the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. Today it is a major resort and cultural center, with international, cultural and sporting events.