Some say... God is only one.
However, there are plenty of religions on this planet.
Today, I am bringing you inside a unique church and if you wonder why such an opening phrase, that church is one of those sacred buildings that changed their "religion" through time.
Just prior becoming an Orthodox Christian church, it was a mosque, caravansary (something like the modern motels) and a bath.
But hey, do you know what? This wasn't even the first time it had been converted as it had still been initially built as a church somewhere in XVth century.
I don't want to feed you more with historical info, I will provide a link on the bottom of this article so you read more in interested, but you'll have to use a translator as there isn't any other version apart from Bulgarian.
Just to mention that this church is considered one of the most mysterious on these lands... Why? Let's see about that...
I have to admit, it is always such a big pleasure to visit this church. It's not just the fact that entering a sacred place is good for the soul and the mind but also the simple fact this is one of the very few churches in Bulgaria where everyone is allowed freely to bring out their camera and take as many photos or videos they want to take. Such freedom is something far from common for the people managing the churches in the country. I really don't have a proper explanation of that.
Before stepping inside, let me share with you some exterior perspectives.
It is quite interesting how even after more than five centuries, those Middle-East architectural details caress the eyes.
Earthquakes happen here so some extra metallic construction has been added to make the whole buidling more stable.
The yard is also quite pleasant, I've spent some time outside, sitting on a bench and enjoying the fauna and the tranquility.
Close up of the bell tower.
Traveling is great, always something new to learn.
On the fence of the church yard, I saw this information tableau about "Uzundzhovo Fair"
Good to find, after some research, its Wiki page: https://bg.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A3%D0%B7%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B8%D1%80
It was very interesting to find out that:
"Узунджовският панаир е най-големият и най-прочутият панаир в българските земи до Освобождението (1878)."
"The Uzundzovo Fair was the largest and most famous fair in the Bulgarian lands until the Liberation (1878)."
Oh, wow, do tell!
I was not aware, not at all!
"Традиционно панаирът се провежда ежегодно през септември, но датите му на откриване и закриване, както и общата продължителност, се променят. В някои периоди се провежда от 15 септември до 15 октомври. В началото на XIX век става 15-дневен и се разкрива преди гроздобер[1]. Според данни от 1857 година продължителността му е 8 дни, започвайки от 8 септември[2]. Датата 8 септември се посочва и в източници от 1874 г.[3]"
"Traditionally, the fair is held annually in September, but its opening and closing dates, as well as its total duration, vary. In some periods, it is held from September 15 to October 15. At the beginning of the 19th century, it became a 15-day event and opened before the grape harvest.[1] According to data from 1857, its duration is 8 days, starting on September 8.[2] The date of September 8 is also mentioned in sources from 1874.[3]"
This is also something that isn't quite typical - to have a bell tower as a separate building...
Let's step inside now and enjoy this breathtaking beauty...
Somehow I always find divine light inside the temples...
The combination of looking solid and fine, and sophisticated at the same time, is really unique for this church!
It was additionally decorated in a very skilled and gorgeous way.
The engraving on that metallic cup says:
"A present by Mr. Ivanov to the temple of Saint Virgin Mary, village of Uzundzhovo, year 1926."
The floor looked quite new though, probably the original tiles were destroyed or not present at all. No info about that.
Oh, why do I feel words are no longer necessary... Let me leave you to enjoy few more perspective from the interior of the church.
'Cause as it is written in the holy book, in Corinthians, “the [church is the] body of Christ”...
Surely I don't need more proof...
Here is the link I promised with more info about the history of the church. https://bulgarianhistory.org/uzundzhovska_tzyrkva/
I hope you have enjoyed being with me through this travel article!
Hugs and kisses from Bulgaria!
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Here is an uncomplete list of some of my equipment I use on a regular basis:
| Cameras | Canon EOS 5D Mark III |
|---|---|
| Canon EOS M5 | |
| Canon EOS 550D | |
| Lenses | Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM |
| Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM | |
| Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM | |
| Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM | |
| Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM | |
| Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 | |
| 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 | |
| Strobes | Dynaphos Speedster |
| Flashes | Metz |
| Tripods and Mono-pods | Manfrotto |
| Benro |
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