A Serbian historian declared in an attempt to re-write the history of the Balkans that the Rila Monastery is "a guardian of Serbian history and spirituality" and "a symbol of Serbian Orthodoxy and culture," reported BGNES.
Djorje Bojanic claims that wall paintings in the monastery in "Old Serbian language", which depict Serbian rulers and saints, were deliberately painted over and hidden.
"After the Battle of Velbažd in 1330 led by the Serbian general Stefan Dečanski, the Rila Monastery became part of the Serbian state," Bojanić wrote on his website.
He stated that a special place in the history of the monastery is occupied by Mara Branković, the daughter of the Serbian despot Djorje Branković and the Byzantine princess Irina, who married Sultan Murat II.
According to Bojanic, the Rejana kula (Hrelova kula) was built by the Serbian knight Reja Ohmucevic.
According to the historian, at the foot of the tower there is a stone slab with a carved founder's inscription: "During the reign of the supreme lord, Tsar Stefan Dušan, the lord with great efforts and resources built this tower and dedicated it to St. John of Rila and the Virgin "Osenovitsa" (Patroness), year 6843."
"Inside the monastery complex, there is also an old library with over 10,000 written and printed documents and books, many of which are in the Old Serbian language," writes Djorje Bojanic and adds:
"A visit to the Rila Monastery provides an unforgettable experience of the revival of Serbian history and spirituality and is certainly worth the attention of anyone who appreciates the rich cultural heritage of our people." Stay tuned for details. /BGNES
