Traveler's Guide

East Macedonia & Thrace

Old fountains in Kardzhali

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It is a Muslim tradition in the Rhodope Mountains to build drinking water fountains because they believe this brings forth salvation of souls, forgiveness of sins and glorification of names. This is the reason why a visitor will see many drinking water fountains in the center of Kardzhali. Some of them were built more than a hundred years ago and are still well-preserved. Most fountains were built with the help of private donations. Some of their names are associated with legends. The oldest fountain is Yedi kurnala (the fountain with seven spouts), which was located behind the mosque.
There is the famous Mullah Aisha Fountain, located in the old part of the city. It has been renovated and is still functional. Aisha Mullah was a wealthy widow who lived all alone. She called master builders and showed them where she wanted a fountain with her name on it in so that people would mention it over the centuries. She was called Mullah because she was literate and would read the prayers on various occasions. She was highly respected by both men and women.She was not afraid to live alone and never locked her house, but one day was found murdered in it. She was buried with honors and the drinking water fountain still bears her name.
Another legend tells about Kasarlar fountain that was located on present-day "Rakovski" Street. It was believed that water from this fountain could cure infertility. For this reason, It was always crowded with people from many places. Young women would come, accompanied by elderly widows who had children. They performed a long prayer ritual, drank the water and left money or a thread from their clothes. The money was collected by the widows and distributed to orphans.


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