Алиански гробници в Източните Родопи
Alevian Shrines in the Eastern Rhodopes

Summary/Abstract: The paper represents a study on five of the most important and well-known among the local population, and most specific of the Alevian shrines in the Eastern Rhodopes. These are: the shrines in Zvezdelina and Gorna Krepost, Kardzhali region, the two shrines near Raven, and especially the shrine in Bivolyane, Momchilgrad region. The shrines are represented according to the region of their distribution, and according to the gradations of their structure, in order to make the representation more clear. Several important general conclusions result from the study: 1. A classification of shrine forms is made, and the general conclusion is, that the primary form of Alevian shrines in the Eastern Rhodopes is the roofless one, and that this form predominates in the region. 2. Some of the shrines are probably built near dervish graveyards; and others had provided reasons for the foundation of such graveyards. 3. The mechanisms of sacralization and mythologization of the patron saints of the shrines are paid a special attention and they are thoroughly discussed in the paper. 4. The investigations in the shrine near Bivolyane made possible the documentation of unknown to the scholars up to now gravestones. The inscriptions on their surfaces give certain evidence of the presence of Bektashi in the region in the end of 18th century. At the same time it became clear that in the same village there still existed a Muslim sacral complex with the statute of a big Shiite center in the Eastern Rhodopes, also unknown to the scholars.

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