Bulgaria Inside

If you walk seven km away from Sevlievo and three km away from the village of Riahovtsite, you will find one of the biggest Muslim sanctuaries in Bulgaria. Believers from all parts of Bulgaria gather at Teketo hill to honor the saint buried there.

According to a legend, the hill houses the grave of Gaazi Baba. Gaazi Baba was young and brave. People called him Gaazi, meaning hero. During a war, the young man was seriously wounded. On his way home, he fell off the horse to be found by a shepherd. The shepherd cured Gaazi Baba over long months. The Bulgarian and the Turkish men became friends and settled in Riahovtsite. There, they cured people regardless of religion. The two of them lived at Teketo, which later on became a sanctuary.

When Gaazi Baba died, people decided to construct a tomb. The tomb has octagonal form, typical for Muslim sanctuaries. In the middle of the tomb, people positioned the saint’s sarcophagus. Ill people, from all parts of the country, visit the sanctuary and leave there clothing hoping that the saint will cure them.

Another legend warns people that the place surrounding the tomb is sacred. No one should dare disturb its peace. Anyone, who takes out of the area even a stone or a tree will face deadly danger.

To reach the sanctuary, you need to pass through Riahovtsite and to follow a narrow, unpaved road. Ask locals about directions and most of them will be glad to take you to Gaazi Baba Teke itself.

In June, people from all parts of the country gather in the area to honor the saint and to prepare boiled mutton.