After leaving the hills behind us, we traveled through a wide and open plain country until we reached Momjler, also called Toli. This was a large and important town, well populated and pleasantly situated among fertile lands. The air was fresh, and the surrounding fields made the place appear lively and welcoming.
At that time, this town had been specially prepared for an important event. The Sultana, who was staying at Larissa and was near the time of childbirth, had been chosen to come here to be delivered and to rest afterward. Every necessary comfort and arrangement had already been made for her arrival. Later, I heard that she gave birth to a daughter, but sadly the child did not live long Ephesus Guided Tours.
The Turks held Alexander the Great in very high regard, especially because he was born in Macedonia. For this reason, many of them would have been pleased if a son of the Empire had been born in this land, believing it would have been a sign of good fortune and strength for the state.
Springs, Hills, and Distant Views
From Momjler, we traveled on to Filurina and then to Ecclisso Verbeni, places known for their clear and abundant springs. The water here was fresh, plentiful, and well respected by the local people. These springs provided life and comfort to the surrounding villages and fields.
Before we descended the hill that leads down toward this town, we were rewarded with a fine view. Straight ahead, at a distance of about seventy miles, we could clearly see the famous Mount Olympus, rising proudly above the land. To our left, we observed the Lakes of Petriski and Ostrova, calm and shining in the light The Mountains Between Serbia and Macedonia.
There is a local tradition connected with these lakes. The people say that one of them was formed when large stones were removed from the sides of the hills, opening underground passages. Through these openings, hidden waters found their way to the surface and flooded the nearby plains, creating the lake. Whether this story is true or not, it shows how closely the people observe and explain the natural world around them.
From the Plains to the Rocky Hills
Afterward, we came to Peribugla, where we once again left the open plains behind us. From there, our journey led us across high and rocky hills, rough and tiring to travel through. The paths were narrow, and the land was broken and uneven, reminding us how quickly the character of the country can change.
Continuing onward, we reached Sanggiple, and from there we crossed the River Injecora, whose waters were steady and cool. The crossing slowed our journey but offered a refreshing pause.
The Town of Sarvitza
At last, we arrived at Sarvitza, a well-known and notable town. It is built partly upon a hill and partly upon the plain below, giving it both strength and convenience. The Christian population mostly lives in the upper part of the town, closer to the hills, while the Turks dwell in the lower area near the plain.
Not far from Sarvitza stands a castle built upon a very high rock. Its position makes it strong and commanding, watching over the surrounding country and the roads that pass through it. We traveled through a narrow passage near this place, feeling the weight of history and defense that such locations always carry.
