In times past craftsmen would have lived and worked in this area at the foot of the upmarket Old Town where the rich merchants lived. Known then (and still today by some) as Uzun Charshiya, charshiya meaning 'bazaar'.

Today the warren of tiny streets (so narrow that two cars can barely pass one another) is home to various trendy shops - health food stores, hand made jewellery, designer clothing - and alternative clubs and bars.

The area has been largely pedestrianised and many of the facades have been renovated. The trendy festivals taking place in Plovdiv have contributed to revitalising this quarter to rival any in the old European capitals.