The rock sanctuary complex consists, in addition to the two sarcophagi, of a staircase carved into the rock from the east, leading to the main altar—a central place for sacrifices in honor of the Sun God—and to the two graves, a three-meter well, as well as numerous other carved cult platforms, steps leading to them, niches, channels, and basins for collecting liquids. It is believed that these features were formed during the 18th–11th centuries BCE, when the sanctuary experienced its first major flourishing, as evidenced by discovered cult objects—ceramic vessels, spindle whorls, pottery, and bronze items. The sanctuary suffered damage from earthquakes during the 13th–12th centuries BCE. Subsequently, around the 3rd–1st centuries BCE, a protective wall was built around the sanctuary to fortify and defend the cult complex, which included several buildings, one of which is presumed to have been a temple-mausoleum due to its massive and impressive construction, likely taking over some functions of the rock pyramid. The renovated sanctuary probably existed until the mid-1st century CE. During the Roman period, many new buildings were constructed around the sanctuary, and a significant quantity of Roman pottery, jewelry, and household items were discovered. It is believed that the Hellenistic temple and the surrounding buildings were transformed into a fortified Roman villa, inhabited by a wealthy local aristocrat. In the 3rd century, the sanctuary was burned down. A new period of prosperity began in the 9th–10th centuries, during which the remaining renovations to the rock complex were made. The final stage of life on the hill near the village of Tatul is marked by a medieval necropolis (excavated by Ivan Balkanski) with a rich grave inventory—numerous jewelry items, earrings, rings, bronze bracelets, and others. The necropolis has been dated by him to no later than the mid-13th century, marking the end of the millennium-long life of the hill near the village of Tatul.

The first reports about the rock complex near Tatul were provided by the local historian Nikola Ivanov in 1933. In the 1960s and 70s, the rock ensemble garnered serious interest and was visited by many Bulgarian scholars—archaeologists, historians, and epigraphers—who developed the first hypotheses about its nature and purpose, including Prof. Ivan Venedikov and Nikolai Vihodtsevsky.

Archaeological excavations in the Kaya Bashi area began in 1976. They were carried out by Ivan Balkanski, curator at the Regional History Museum in the city of Kardzhali, who determined the site to be a late antique and medieval fortress. During the two campaigns of 1976 and 1977, for which there is data about his work, he managed to excavate a large part of the medieval necropolis inside the site. The studies were resumed in 2004 and continued in 2005 and 2007, under the scientific direction of Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov. In 2022, excavations in the area were renewed after a fifteen-year break, continuing in 2023, funded by the Momchilgrad municipality and again under the scientific direction of Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov, and during these two seasons, archaeologists managed to register a church built in the 5th-6th centuries. and existed until the 11th-12th centuries, with an older monumental building beneath its foundations, probably a pagan temple.

The rock formations are not the tallest in the valley, but they are ideally positioned at its center, possessing visual connections with all surrounding hills and rising above the main road in the area, which follows the river's course, making Tatul so impressive, mystical, and maintaining the legends associated with it.

During Prehistory, Antiquity, and especially in the Middle Ages, the eastern and southern slopes of the hill at Tatul were dotted with architectural complexes, but unfortunately, today this area is covered by dense forest.

Working Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00 (summer)

Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00 (winter)

Entrance Fees:

Individual visits

Adults - 6 BGN

Students, university students, and pensioners - 3 BGN

Guided tour - 25 BGN

Groups (over 20 people)

Adults - 4 BGN

Students, university students, and pensioners - 2 BGN

Free of charge:

Children up to 7 years old;

Persons with over 90% reduced working capacity (upon presentation of a valid document and ID)

Материалът Татул е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Who are Muslim Aliani?

Aliani, Alevis and Kasylbashi are synonyms, denoting the same community, which has been shrouded in mystery and secrecy for centuries. It continues to exist on the periphery of public life in the country, successfully preserving its traditions. They avoid visiting mosques and madrasahs, venerate the tombs of Alevi saints (turbets) and consider women as equal to men, allowing them to participate in rituals.

The name of the massif comes from the Turkish language "damla - drop".

Nowadays, the local population honors the ancient beliefs that the water gushing from the rocks acquires healing properties on the night before May 6 (Hadarlez, St. George's Day). A beautiful spring fountain has been built on the site itself. On the mountain peak, located near the spring of "living water", there is a burial temple of a Muslim saint (turbe), in whose honor an annual traditional festival is held.

What do the legends say?

According to legend, water gushed from the rocks in very ancient times, when the Byzantines were oppressing the local population. Holy people from distant Iran came to help, freeing the locals from oppression and gathered at Dambal.

There was a large slab on Dambal, left over from the Thracians. The slab was round and they used it as a table on which they ate. However, after the meal they were thirsty, and there was no water. And then Iran Baba hit the rock with his fist and water gushed out of it. It flowed so strongly that in order to prevent the villages in the lowland from being flooded, the saint blocked the springs with wool. And the water remained dripping slightly – drop by drop.

Healing water

The water from Dambali has been considered medicinal since ancient times. You can bring your own bottles and fill them up – the water is very drinkable and soft, invigorating and with every sip you can feel its healing power.
There are gazebos and a designated barbecue area on the site – making it a perfect spot for a pleasant walk where you can fill up your water bottle and enjoy a picnic in the fresh air.
It is also suitable for visits in the summer because the place is shady.
Bring cash – along the way you can buy delicious goat cheese from the locals, who are extremely hospitable and kind.

Материалът Дамбалъ – извор с лековита вода е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Although he was born in the village of Ptichar, Naim moved with his family to Momchilgrad at the age of ten - the town that would later become the guardian of his memory. Today, the museum exhibition is arranged in this very house.

What will you see in the museum?

On the first floor, visitors encounter the human side of the champion — personal belongings, as well as reconstructions of his room in Ptichar and his home in Momchilgrad. The second floor is dedicated to the sports legend: the very first barbell he trained with, dozens of medals, trophies, and photographs from his greatest triumphs on world podiums.

Who is Naim?

In 1998, the International Weightlifting Federation named him Weightlifter No. 1 of the 20th century. Over the course of his career, he became:

• a three-time Olympic champion
• a seven-time world champion and seven-time European champion
• the holder of 46 world records

Due to his height of just 1.47 meters, he earned the nickname “Pocket Hercules,” yet his strength far exceeded physical dimensions.

From sporting peak to moral choice

Naim’s life was not defined by medals alone. He also became a victim of the so-called “Revival Process” - a period during which Bulgarian Turks were forced to change their names. Naim refused. This decision changed his fate - leading to escape, tension, and a new beginning. Competing under the Turkish flag, he once again conquered Olympic heights, securing his place forever in the history of world sport.

A living memory

Naim Süleymanoğlu passed away on November 18, 2017, at the age of just 50. In 2019, a monument was unveiled in Momchilgrad bearing the inscription:
“Champion of all times, who brought glory to Bulgaria and Turkey.”

The house-museum tells a story of talent, identity, and the courage to remain true to oneself - even when the price is high. It is a place well worth visiting, so that this remarkable history may be remembered.

Tickets

Individual visits

1. Adults – 6.00 BGN | 3.07 EUR
2. Pensioners, students, pupils – 3.00 BGN | 1.53 EUR (with valid document)срещу представен документ)

Group visits

1. Adults – 4.00 BGN | 2.05 EUR
2. Pensioners, students, pupils – 2.00 BGN | 1.02 EUR (with valid document)срещу представен документ)

Guided tour

25.00 BGN | 12.78 EUR

Материалът Къща-музей Наим Сюлейманоглу е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.