7 Kızlar Cami ve Efsanesi - Bulgaristan'da Yaşam Belgesel 3. Bölüm

Seven Maidens Mosque Third Episode of the "Life in Bulgaria" Documentary. The Seven Maidens Mosque, located in the village of Podkova (Nalbantlar in Turkish) in the district of Kirkovo (Kızılağaç) in the southern region of Kardzhali (Kırcaali), Bulgaria, is an important Ottoman monument that draws attention with both its historical structure and the mysterious legend surrounding it. 📜 History and Architecture of the Mosque Year of Construction: According to sources, the mosque is believed to have been built in the 15th century, around 1428 or 1438. This indicates that the mosque dates back to the period of the Ottoman Empire's ascent. Distinctive Feature: The most well-known and striking architectural feature of the mosque is that it was built without the use of any nails. Only wooden materials made of oak wood were used in its construction with great skill. The wooden frame is connected by locking systems, joints, and tenons. Restoration: The mosque managed to stand for centuries, and its collapsed 30-meter minaret was rebuilt in 2015. 🌟 Legend and Significance of the Mosque The most captivating aspect of the Seven Maidens Mosque is the legend that has been kept alive among the local people for centuries: The Legend: While there are various narrations, the most common one states that: The fiancés of these 7 maidens were taken as soldiers for the Ottoman-Hungarian War and fell as martyrs. The seven young maidens, on the same night, saw in their dreams that a mosque should be built for their fiancés. When the girls shared their dreams, they agreed on a common decision. Consequently, the girls sold their dowries for the construction of the mosque. Wooden Technique: The wooden planks were joined with great mastery by opening grooves and interlocking them. It is reported that the wooden columns (beams) used in the construction of the mosque were very thick (approximately 60 cm) and that such material is extremely difficult to find even today. It is said that the mosque was completed in a single night (according to some narrations, in seven days and seven nights) without nails. After the girls performed the morning prayer and prayed in the mosque at imsak (dawn), they suddenly disappeared and were never heard from again. 🙏 Spirituality and Mevlit (Mawlid) Tradition Mysterious Aura: Despite the mosque having open windows, according to an old family story, creatures like birds and insects do not enter and disturb the mosque, and it is said that the place has a very peaceful, spiritual aura. The mosque remains an important center for Muslims in the region today. A large Mevlit (Mawlid) ceremony is held in the mosque courtyard every year on May 6th. Thousands of people from within the country and abroad attend these ceremonies. Visitors gather both to recite the Mevlit and to pray for the martyrs and the seven maidens. ⛰️ Source of Healing Healing Source: Near the mosque, there is also a mystical rock formation called "Delik Kaya" (Hole Rock) or "Demitlikaya", which is believed to bring healing for infertility and various illnesses. According to the belief, passing through the rock's hole three times counter-clockwise is said to bring healing. Did you like this 600-year-old mosque and its story? Please write your comments and opinions about this mosque below.