Maritsa

Maritsa, also known as Meriç in Turkish, is a major river in the Balkans. It rises in the western Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria and flows southeast across the Thracian Plain, passing near the city of Plovdiv before entering Greece. In Greece, the river continues southeast and empties into the Aegean Sea near Alexandroupoli. The lower course of the river forms part of the border between Greece and Turkey. The Maritsa is roughly 480 kilometers long.

The Maritsa drains a large basin that spans Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, supporting extensive agricultural areas in the Thracian Plain. It serves as a source of irrigation water and hosts several hydroelectric installations along its course. The river’s banks are associated with important settlements, most notably Plovdiv, which sits on its path in Bulgaria, and various communities in northeastern Greece.

Historically, the Maritsa has been significant for regional trade, agriculture, and as a geographic reference in Balkan diplomacy and conflicts. In modern times, the river faces hydrological and environmental challenges, including floods, droughts, and pollution from agricultural and urban runoff, prompting cross-border water-management efforts and cooperation among riparian states. The name derives from local languages, with Turkish usage calling it Meriç and Bulgarian usage calling it Maritsa.