On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, the traditional annual pilgrimage took place in the shrine "Good Place", in Tunja of Gramsh. In this ceremony, the greeting of the Bektashi World Leader, His Holiness, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, was read by dervish Sali Peti.
The shrine'Good Place' was also called "vakëf". It is located in the west of the village of Tunjë, Tunjë Administrative Unit, Municipality of Gramsh. From historical sources, Tunja, for its geographical position, is also known as a connecting node and crossing of Illyrian and medieval roads, for Tomorrica, Korça, Berat, as well as secondary roads from the Osum valley, Devoll. They are pedestrian paths in the range of Tunja Castle, where the Tomori mountain looks majestic. The belief in Tunja is related to the ancient Bektashi religion, as it is located near the mythical mountain of Tomori. Various missionaries during the XIV-XVII century, spread Islam and Bektashism here, the first tekkes of Shëmbërdhenji, Dushku, dervishije, many tombs, vakëf and good places were created, almost in all the villages of Gramsh. On the Italian map of 1937, near the mosque of the village of Tunja, in the Llaha neighborhood, there was a tomb, which was also called vakëf. It was near the large cemetery and was demolished early. From this village was known as a supporter of Bektashism myhibi Tahir Lllaha, who served in the tekke of Çemerrica, in Tomorica of Skrapar. He also went to the Gramsh tekkes and good places. He was also a patriot, a supporter of the wars for freedom and independence and a participant in the Vlora War. As a devoted believer in Bektashism, he had also become an 'Honorary Dervish' and was known by all the clergy of the area and throughout Tomorrica. Tahir Llaha passed away in 1928. For patriotic activities, the Elbasan Regional Council awarded him a Certificate of "Gratitude" and the Municipality of Tunja honored him with the title "Honor of the Municipality".
From the Tahir Llaha tribe, with the initiative of Alketa Llaha and the support of his parents, the tomb 'Good Place' was build in 2015. Alketa, working near the tomb, found a tombstone with an old surcharge, dated XVIIth. One, in 2019, was found by his brother, Ferdinand .. These two tombstones with Bektashi symbols and others that may be underground, have their own history. Bektashi clerics have been active in this country for centuries. The tomb is frequented by the villagers and the surrounding area. Every year, at this tomb, in the month of August, is organized a pilgrimage.
Prepared by: Nuri ÇUNI
