Durbalı Sultan Tekke, Albanian Bektashi monastery of Farsala, Greece
The Durbalı Sultan Tekke is an Ottoman-era khanqah in Asprogeia situated on a mountain spur overlooking the Thessalian plain. The complex comprises residential buildings, a cemetery with two türbes, and numerous tombs arranged as a unified religious community space.
The khanqah was founded in 1492 by a dervish from Konya and stands on the site of a 10th-century Byzantine monastery dedicated to Saint George. This transition reflected how the location gained new religious significance under Ottoman rule.
The site displays religious imagery depicting Imam Ali and Haji Bektash Veli, showing the importance of Islamic Sufism in this spiritual gathering place. Visitors can observe these visual elements today and understand how central this mystical tradition was to the community.
The site is open for visitors to explore, and the location on a hillside provides clear views of the surroundings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the terrain is uneven and covers multiple levels.
A natural spring flows at the entrance of the complex, drawing visitors for generations. Inside, frescoes of Saint George from the original Byzantine monastery remain visible, showing how the site maintained spiritual significance across different faiths.
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