Turkish Urban Legends No. 4: Azem: The Haunted Village of Sakarya
Sakarya is one of the richest regions in Turkey when it comes to folk horror narratives. Today’s article focuses on a story we previously covered in an episode of the Kat 3 Daire 5 Podcast: the tale of the cursed village in Sakarya, also known as Azem Village.
The legend of Azem Village is a prime example of Anatolian folklore blended with horror elements. This village’s story contains many components of folk beliefs centered on djinn haunting a settlement following a curse. We wanted to briefly touch on these elements before diving into the village’s story.
Jinn: In Turkish mythology, jinn or djinn can be summarized as frightening entities that haunt humans. In fact, it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that the characteristics of many beings believed in during the pre-Islamic period were gradually consolidated under the umbrella term “jinn.” jinn feature prominently in the legends of Azem Village. As we see in many similar accounts, the jinn descended upon the village following a curse.
Mysterious Entities: According to the narratives, the strange beings reportedly seen in the village at various times aren’t limited to djinn. These include ghosts, shadows, and shapeshifting creatures. Since the boundaries of what constitutes a “djinn” aren’t clearly defined in such tales, these elements can naturally be interpreted as part of the djinn narrative depending on one’s perspective.
Spells and Talismans: There are numerous rumors about magical practices and talismans in Azem Village dating from the past to the present. While the story exists in many different versions, the common thread is that the curse that settled upon the village emerged after a spell called “Azem.”
If you’re ready, let’s begin uncovering what lies behind the curtain of this mysterious village in Sakarya.
Azem Village: Its History and Legend
Azem Village is a place located in the intriguing lands of Sakarya, renowned for its supernatural occurrences. Many events from the past have shaped the village’s history and this legend. What’s interesting, however, is that this village actually points to a rather ambiguous location. There’s no consensus on what the village was called before the curse, or even exactly where it corresponds to on today’s map. It’s difficult to say with certainty whether the videos frequently found online documenting abandoned areas actually belong to the region claimed to be cursed. Of course, encountering such ambiguity in urban legends is normal. However, in this particular narrative—compared to, say, the “Three Shadows Village” legend—there are remarkably few indicators pointing to where the location actually is. This raises the question: did the legend about this village exist before the film “Azem: Cin Garezi” (Azem: Djinn’s Grudge), or is this a narrative shaped by popular culture?
The Village’s History
The story of Azem Village dates back to 1921. The word “Azem,” which has become the village’s commonly known name today, is actually the name of a spell allegedly cast upon the village—a spell that, according to claims, caused 117 households to abandon their homes. According to the tale, a shepherd who had migrated to the village wasn’t paid his wages, so he cast the Azem Spell on the village as revenge. This curse changed the village’s fate, and the terrifying events that visitors would encounter began.
According to the narratives, starting in 1921, the fields stopped yielding crops and the livestock began dying. There are also accounts of a child being kidnapped and returning years later with gouged-out eyes, speaking in an unknown language. Among the widespread rumors are inexplicable screaming sounds coming from the village and women suffering miscarriages one after another.
The Origin of the Legend
According to the legend, a shepherd living in the village established contact with djinn, and strange things began happening in the village afterward. Over time, this story spread far and wide through word of mouth. Azem Village has become home to mysterious and terrifying tales. It’s said that animals entering the village never return, and those who leave the village lose their ability to speak. There’s even a story about an imam who lost his power of speech after entering the village.
As we mentioned earlier, there’s no definitive information about Azem Village’s current state. It’s said that entry to the village is forbidden and that the frightening events continue. However, this information mostly stems from rumors among the populace, and there’s no verification of its accuracy.
The Jinn Belief
According to the widespread belief found in many online accounts, Azem Village has become a place frequently visited by djinn. This mysterious location, associated with djinn, has become a site of curiosity for visitors and has been explored by various YouTubers, it even became the subject of a film. The movie “Azem: Cin Garezi” (Azem: Djinn’s Grudge) centers on the djinn cursing the village.
What Is the Azem Spell?
The Azem spell, which lies at the heart of the legend, is a ritual widely known and recounted among villagers. If you’re wondering what the Azem spell actually is: it’s believed to be a spell that allows one to bring djinn under control.
“According to some, on the night the Azem spell is performed, all the doors and windows in the village close shut. During this time, the person casting the spell communicates with the djinn. After this ritual, it’s believed that the caster gains control over the jinn.”
Kat 3 Daire 5 Podcast
Ağustos 2020'den beri sürdürmekte olduğumuz korkunç halk inanışları, şehir efsaneleri, memoratlar ve bunların sinemaya, edebiyata yansımaları konulu podcast.
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