Wharf

A wharf is a pier or part of the shore made by man so that ships and boats can moor there. Without such a structure, it is very difficult for vessels to dock. They will either get stuck in the sand, or crash into the rocks, or the waves will make it impossible to get ashore. Wharfs can be made of wood, metal, concrete, stones, or they can be formed in the rocks of the seashore. The important thing is to have the necessary depth and provide calm, wave-free water for mooring.
Although the wharf is not a complex structure, its construction may be hampered by waves or wind. Also, if not built well, the wharf can alter the movement of seawater and cause beaches to disappear, sandbanks to silt up or habitats for marine animals and plants to be destroyed.

An old word for wharf is ‘skelya’ – a place for mooring, port. The name Chengene skele means ‘Gipsy pier’ and comes from the roma ‘Chingane iskelesi’.
In Ottoman times this place was inhabited by gipsy coal miners. Over the years the gypsies moved to the big city, but the name remained.
After 1972, the boats of the local fishermen were moved to this place from the port of Burgas due to its expansion. After the canals were dug, breakwaters were built to protect the harbor and boat slips were formed, many fishing vans, shacks, buildings and boats began to appear around the water. Over the years, the settlement has developed its characteristic spirit - a colourful community, distinctive architecture and environment. At present, there are about 1000 boats. In 2004, the Association "Morski sgovor” (“Seaside Union" was registered, which works for the cause of preserving the unique spirit of the fishing village.