The popular attraction of Gagauzia is the Nogai spring, located in the village of Avdarma. It is believed that its name, the spring received from the Khan Nogai, whose possessions extended from the Dniester to the Danube rivers, including the Bugeac steppe.
The spring is located on the outskirts of the village and symbolizes the rich history of Gagauzia, the water flowing from the spring is cool and very tasty. According to historians, it was here, near the spring, about 450 years ago, the first settlement was formed, which later became the village of Avdarma. Since 2013 repair works here have been carried out, and today this place attracts both locals and tourists.
Legends of these places say that during one of the Russian-Turkish wars, not far from the spring, the Nogai Khan hid gold and jewelry, hoping to return to these lands. Of course, these treasures were not found, however, during the archaeological digs other treasures were found – tobacco pipes, clay pieces.
Another symbolic place, near the spring is the old Pear Tree, which has been inscribed in the red book of Moldova from 2003 and is protected by law. The locals claim that this tree symbolizes the steadiness and love for life of the inhabitants of Avdarma. The pear bears fruits even today, it impresses with its size, over 10 meters high, with a crown diameter of over 9 meters and a 220 years old age.
You can visit the Nogai spring in Beshalma as part of our tours in Gagauzia:
