Beglik Tash
Thracian rock sanctuary at "Beglik Tash"
Its name combines the Turkish words “beglik” (natural tax) and “tash” (stone). Probably during the Ottoman period, shepherds from surrounding villages brought their livestock there to pay their taxes.
The sanctuary is believed to have been created around the 14th century BC by the Thracian tribe of Scyrmiani and functioned for almost 20 centuries. The rock blocks, some weighing 100 tonnes, are partially worked and arranged in specific configurations.
Around the central, most studied part of the complex, two circles of smaller structures were built. Scholars still debate the functions of Beglik Tash. It is believed to have been dedicated to the Mother Goddess and her son and/or husband – the Sun God.
Formed as a result of rock weathering and visibly refined by human hands, the natural ensemble of syenite blocks Beglik Tash is among the largest ancient megalithic sanctuaries in Bulgaria.