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Hassan Baba tekke

Bashtino, Bulgaria

RELIGIONS Islam

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
This mausoleum is considered to be the second most important in the region, after Otman Baba's türbe. It was built in 1702. It is situated at the peak of Hissara, where there are also remnants of a medieval Christian church. Materials from these ruins were used as tombstones in the necropolis surrounding the türbe. They are also the source of a cylindrical column from the altar barrier. It is hollow and collects rainwater. Local people believe that this water has healing power. Hassan Baba's grave itself is about 4 meters long. It is covered by a green cloth and decorated with flowers. The portrait of Hazreti Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed, are displayed on prominent places. There are also images of the Twelve Shiite Imams.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
According to the legend, Hassan Baba is the brother of another great Muslim saint Osman Baba. They were friends of "Millet-i Rum", as the Turks called Orthodox Christians. Hassan Baba had twelve acolytes. Two of them are buried in the yard of his türbe. Local Alevites are considered to be the descendants of the saint. Even their neighborhood in the village is named after him. The Alevites in the village are from the so-called Baba sect. This is a direction in Shiia Islam that arose in the 13th century. In Bulgaria, the movement is divided into two branches. One of them is the Babai of Otman Baba in southern Bulgaria, and the others live in Northeastern Bulgaria and are considered heirs of Demir Baba's lineage.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
Both Alevites and Sunnis venerate Hassan Baba and believe that his grave is a place of healing. The saint is especially merciful to the young children. He is considered a patron of the youth and protector of the crops. The sick children are brought three times inside the türbe and are laid to sleep at the feet of the sarcophagus. A qurban sacrifice is made for their healing. Young men going to military service create talismans with soil from the burial ground. They believe that this will protect them from bullets.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
The feast dedicated to Hassan Baba is held in the first half of October. As the saint is also honored by the Sunni Muslim from nearby villages, they also come to help with the preparation. The holiday begins on Friday. A bull is sacrificed. Its liver is first cut and distributed to the children of the village. The butcher cuts an equal share for everyone - even for newborns and sick people who have failed to come. The children take the pieces to their homes, roast them in the fire and eat them. They believe that they will be protected by the saint and grow healthy and strong like the bull. On Friday night the Alevi gather to pray. The solemn ritual is only for the initiates. People outside the religious community are not allowed. The festivities begin on Saturday. Believers kneel and pray to the saint for health and protection. Some of the people also make symbolic - towels, shirts, pajamas.
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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.