Dzhendem tepe and the legends
Before becoming “Youth Hill”, the summit bore several names tied to dark legends. Here is what is historical and what is tradition.
Old names
Historical sources point to names from the Ottoman period: Dzhendem tepe (“hell hill”), Dzhin tepe (“hill of spirits”) and Chigdem tepe (“hill of crocuses”).
Facts
These are real historical names preserved in directories and local sources. They reflect the older perception of the hill.
Legends
With the name “Dzhendem” are tied local tales of the hill’s dark past. They are part of folklore, not proven historical events – we present them as such.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What does “Dzhendem tepe” mean?
From Turkish cehennem – “hell”; a historical name of the hill before “Youth Hill”.
Are the legends true?
They are local folklore, not proven historical facts – we present them as traditions.
Verified on: 2026-10-23