For a long time we have not spoken about the legends of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky in general, and the Akkerman fortress in particular. Today we will talk about the beautiful girl Paraskovo. About her Divinity. But not only in terms of appearance. But, let's move from the "stove".
"Paraskoveeva Krinichka"
There is a small chapel in the immediate vicinity of the fortress. Yes, there is only one age forcing to speak of her with respect. But we are interested in the source, which is located strictly in the middle of the chapel. This key with clean and always cold water is fanned by an interesting legend.
Turks and Christianity
It's no secret that at one time these lands belonged to the Turks. Immediately after they captured this land, they began to spread their faith to the local residents. The Turks acted very cruelly. Pasha tried to impose Islam with fire and sword. But alas, all his efforts were in vain. People didn't want to become apostates. They adamantly believed in a Christian God. Pasha was angry. But he could not do anything.
Legendary Parascovea
Once the pasha was told that a young person, Paraskovia, lived in the village. She lived on the banks of the estuary. But she was not respected for her beauty. She was wise beyond her years. Everyone listened to her opinion. Even gray-haired old people came to her for advice.
Pasha, having learned about the girl's influence on the local people, decided that she needed to be captured and forced to convert to Islam. People, having learned that Paraskovea adopted the Mohammedan faith, themselves change their views.
The Janissaries carried out the order of the pasha. They seized the young girl and brought her to the fortress. Pasha offered her untold treasures, a position in Istanbul, a wonderful and influential groom, and so on. But all the benefits did not arouse the girl's interest. She did not want to betray the faith of her ancestors. She did not become apostate.
The angry Uzun Pasha ordered to imprison the Christian woman. She spent more than one month in darkness and dampness. But, despite all the hardships, she did not betray her faith.
The enraged Pasha decided to deal with the young beauty. He could not forgive her for her pride. He could not show his weakness in front of his people. He was afraid that he would be laughed at for being defeated by the girl.
But, he did not have time to cross the threshold of the dungeon, as the unthinkable happened. The shackles and chains fell off. Parascovea was completely free. In the blink of an eye, she found herself outside the walls of the fortress!
Pasha, waking up from surprise, ordered to immediately return the fugitive. The Janissaries rushed after Parascovia. But no matter how hard they tried, they could not catch up. Suddenly, when the janissaries came close, the girl looked around. At that moment, she melted into thin air. Well, where the last time her foot stepped, a clean and cold key kicked in.
Yes, it was God's sign. The key can be considered the personification of the spiritual and physical purity of a Christian woman.
So, no one can break the will of a Slav!
This is not the last legend of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky. We will return to this region more than once. By the way, we remembered this legend after we started looking at photographs that will adorn this material. Appreciate the symbolism.
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