Ajvatovica

Ajvatovica is the largest Islamic traditional, religious and cultural event in Europe. It is located near Prusac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was named after Ajvaz-dedo who was a devout Muslim working to enlighten the population and achieve progress in the area.

Holy Site of Ajvatovica

According to legend, before the arrival of Ajvaz-dedo, Prusac had a water supply problem. However, he found a powerful spring of water near Prusac. The spring had been shut off by a rock 74 meters long and 30 meters wide, which obstructed the construction of a running water system. Ajvaz-dedo spent 40 days praying to Allah to split the rock. On the fortieth morning, following his prayers, Ajvaz-dedo dreamt that two white rams collided and split the rock.

When he awoke, he saw the rock split in half. Wooden pipes were placed along the newly formed canyon to take water into Prusac. Seeing it as a sign of God’s miracle and blessing, people began going on pilgrimages to the place where the rock had split.

References

• Ajvatovica Pilgrimage - 469 Years of Ajvatovica Dead link
• Middle Bosnia - Days of Ajvatovica Dead link
• The Handanija Mosque Restoration Ajvatovica and Prusac History
• Pliva Travel - Legend of Dedo-Ajvaz