The Institute of Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of the Albanians based in Skopje, in cooperation with the Bektashi World Headquarter-Tirana and the Bektashi Quarter in Northern Macedonia, organized on Monday, February 7, in its capital, Skopje, in the premises of the Institute, took place scientific conference and opened an exhibition with photographs and documents about the heritage of the Harabati Baba tekke. This is closely related to the monumental work of the high Bektashi cleric, Sersem Ali Dedeit, and all its clerics, over the centuries, who erected and kept alive the Bektashi apprentice of Haxhi Bektash Veliu. On the occasion of the 484th anniversary of the founding of the Harabati Baba tekke. Participated in this important event: Prof. Dr. Skënder Asani, World Bektashi Grandfather,American z. Eric Meyer, Dutch, z. Dirk Jan Kop, Hungary, Mr. Laszlo Istvan Dux, European Council, Mr. Lejla Dervishagiiq, German, Mr. Florian Traeger Steintjes, Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Verbytskyi, Ukrainian, Mr. Eben Friedman , OSCE, Mrs. Adelina Mark u, Republic of Albania, Mr. Fatos Reka, France, Mrs. Camille Iboss , Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RMV, Mr. Muhamed Rakipi , Directorate of International Law and Consular Affairs in RMV, Prof.Dr. Agim Poshka, representative of the Bektashi World Headquarters based in Tirana, Bektashi Quarter of Macedonia and Bektashi Quarter of Kosovo, Bektashi Quarter of Fushë-Kruja.
At the opening of the conference, the director of this Institute, Prof. Dr. Asani greeted the World Leader of the Bektashis, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, calling him a great friend of the Albanians in Macedonia and of the Institute of Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of the Albanians in Skopje. He said that this Institute is working with the Bektashi Community to propose to UNESCO to protect the Harabati Baba Teqe complex in Tetovo. Among other things, director Asani said:"The photographic and documentary exhibition, dedicated to the cultural heritage of Harabati, is an integral part of our scientific and research strategy to focus more attention on the smaller cultural and religious communities, but which in essence constitute a great wealth of spiritual inspiration. "Harabat" is an important notion in the Bektashi sacred heritage, as it is the memory and glory of this community, through the selfless contribution of dozens of clerics and patriots who preserved intact the historical continuity of this cultural and religious complex. For this reason, our institute has dedicatedly cultivated some of the basic principles of diversity and the culture of tolerance, turning these principles into scientific postulates that we managed to finalize in the form of various works or projects.At the end of his speech, the director of Institute in Skopje, Professor Asani, expressed deep national gratitude to the Bektashis, who according to him "managed to preserve the nucleus of Albanianism in the darkest fortresses of history." Afterwards , the World Leader of the Bektashis, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, thanked the participants for participating in this event in honor of the 484th anniversary of its founding, Harabati Teqe, as a cultural, human and spiritual value of Albanians of other faiths. The grandfather emphasized the important moments of the glorious past of the Harabati Tekke, but also documented the values in the national movement. Among other things, the Grandfather said:"On a cold February day, like today, 484 years ago, with the spirit of worship of Sersem Ali Dedei, the first cornerstone of the tekke of Haxhi Bektashi Veliu was laid at this blessed place. The Bektashi order, in particular, after the structural reform shared by Ballëm Sultan, began to 'conquer' vast spiritual territories in the Balkans, wanting through brotherhood to convey and prove the greatness of the philosophy and humility it possessed. The truth is that the Harabati Baba tekke from the day of the first foundation stone until today, has been destroyed, burned, rebuilt, added and expanded several times over the centuries. But its mission never changes. She has been and remains a missionary of wisdom of divine and human love. From year to year, the tekke that has gathered us today, came growing not merely in the sense of walls and stones, but in the sense far more significant, that of wisdom-filled wisdom for the All-Merciful, for the brotherhood of Haqq and the belly. Our tekkes, from faraway Asia to the beauty of the overseas, have always proved that they longed for knowledge, always paid dearly for it. The Bektashi clerics, myhibs and believers have continued their spiritual journey through the centuries, always keeping in mind the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: 'Teaching is obligatory for every believer, while not learning is disobedience', and " "Wisdom is the jewel of man, and wisdom is a necklace of gold." This holy temple of worship, this house of knowledge, Teqe of Tetova, has been a school and education for the clergy and the faithful, not merely in the philosophy of our tariqah, but in particular with the deep human responsibility and sensitivity, with the precious features of Bektashi morality, with the blessed idea that we love one another for the sake of the one God. All those post-keepers of this tekke, starting from Sersem Ali Dedei, Harabati Baba, Muharrem Baba Bab to Baba Tahir Emini, with their proverbs and innumerable sacrifices, with eternal knowledge and love for God and the nation, educated whole generations of believers by distinguishing this country, among the most wonderful and most visited in the Balkans during the 17th to 19th centuries… When we talk about such anniversaries, of course, we can not forget an equally magnificent feature of appearing among the clerics and believers of this tekke, such as the strong feelings of faith. Especially in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the Harabati Teqe became a powerful hotbed of the autonomist movement for the whole north of our native lands. It became the center of the movement of secret and open meetings that Albanian men undertook in favor of national independence. It is also worth remembering that exactly in the years 1900-1912, Bektashi dervishes and fathers, here opened the first classes of learning the Albanian language, facing the respective measures of the Ottoman Empire; even in some cases being sent into exile to distant Asia. Together with the Bektashi Tekkes in Skopje, Gostivar, Ohrid, Kichevo, Bitola… We have never left and will not intend to leave in any way the high Bektashi mission .. With the wisdom of the teachings, the believers of this tekke,
The diplomats were greeted by: The representative of the US Embassy in Skopje, Eric Meyer , in charge of diplomatic affairs at the US Embassy in Northern Macedonia, said:"We join you in recognizing the cultural heritage of Harabati Baba, Teqe, which represents Northern Macedonia and beyond. I want to congratulate the leaders of the Bektashi Community on the 484th anniversary of the Harabati Baba tekke. I came to Macedonia only a few months ago, I can not wait to visit this shrine and the complex at the foot of the Sharr Mountains. Respect for Religious Freedom is one of the many ways we can respect diversity and heritage as an integral part of American culture. Remembering the people who immigrated to the US 400 years ago, it was the promise of freedom of religion that led them to our country. We remain deeply committed to promoting human rights and human dignity, as well as religious freedom, in the United States and around the world. Universal respect for the freedom of belief, for all of us, is at the core of American foreign policy goals. For more than 20 years, the US Department of State has published the report on human rights and freedom of religion, in about 200 countries and territories around the world. We know that religious freedom is a human right, as is the freedom to express one's religion publicly and privately. "Religious freedom is an essential element for the development of open and sustainable democracies, enabling people to make a full contribution to society and culture." as it is the freedom to express religious belief publicly and privately. "Religious freedom is an essential element for the development of open and sustainable democracies, enabling people to make a full contribution to society and culture." as it is the freedom to express religious belief publicly and privately. "Religious freedom is an essential element for the development of open and sustainable democracies, enabling people to make a full contribution to society and culture."
The Dutch Ambassador in Skopje, Mr. Dirk Jan wished for the anniversary of the Harabati Baba tekke and at the same time said that he feels honored to participate in this activity. The diplomatic representative said:"The constitutional system in Europe is based on freedom of speech, which includes freedom of religion. Likewise, it is based on equality before the law, which means that everyone is treated equally, including religious entities… In this country, we continue to call for the protection of the rights of religious minorities, including Bektashis, and demand the implementation of the Court's ruling European Commission on Human Rights, as requested by the European Commission each year in its progress report on Northern Macedonia. Every year, the Government is asked to implement this verdict. But at a deeper level, you have to ask yourself I believe, what does your Constitution do for you. In my country, the constitution does not mention any particular minority…, everyone is equal before the law. In my country, the constitution does not mention any particular religion, if you are going to establish a religious community you have to follow some legal actions, which are similar to setting up an association, foundation or company; you do not have to make the decision of a judge or the consent of anyone, you only have to meet certain legal criteria. "I understand the historical context, but I believe that in this country everyone would be better off if you had a constitution that mentions only Freedom and Equality (without specifically mentioning ethnic or religious minorities or majorities)."
The Ambassador of Hungary, Mr. Laszlo Istvan Dux, began his speech by honoring, as he said: His Holiness Dede father Edmond Brahimajand fellow diplomats. Ambassador Dux said he would release personal comments. He will soon wrap up his mission in Skopje and move to Budapest. Described that the apartment where it will be located there is opposite the tomb of Gyl Babai. The ambassador said that Gül Baba's tomb in Budapest is not only one of the most beautiful monuments there, but also the northernmost Bektashi monument in Europe. The Hungarian Ambassador commemorated the event that took place in Tirana on the occasion of the erection of the statue of Queen Geraldine, which was also attended by the Chief of the Bektashis; said that the life of Queen Geraldine should be an example for many, from her arrival in Albania, life in exile and return to Albania should be an example for tolerance, peace and friendship.
"The European Council is an international organization established to promote and protect human freedoms, democracy and the rule of law," said Her Excellency Lejla Dervishagic, President of the European Council in Skopje. She wished for the anniversary of the Bektashi tekke Harabati Baba and expressed her readiness to contribute towards achieving the common goal.
Important after the conference was visited by the participants Photo exhibition, dedicated to the heritage, the Harabati Baba tekke, this historical, national and religious heritage, universal values and the extraordinary role of Bektashis for peace and religious harmony between peoples with different cultures and identities as well as harmony and solidarity for the different ethnicities living side by side.
The President of the Bektashi Community of Northern Macedonia, Prof. Arben Sulejmani invited the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Skopje, Mr. Fatos Reka, who spoke about the contribution of the Bektashi Community to the well-being of social developments in Northern Macedonia and beyond:"It is known that the World Leader of the Bektashi, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, has a special contribution, like all his predecessors, to highlight the patriotic, national and cultural values of the Bektashi Community. Through this exhibition, the Bektashi values of the Albanian nation are shown. On behalf of the (Albanian) Embassy, I wish you success and prosperity and all the best in your patriotic journey. "
The representative of the German Embassy, Mr. Florian Traeger Steintjes , said:"Almost 500 years ago, the former official of the Ottoman Empire, Sersem Ali Dedei, came to Tetovo - that world a small town - with the aim of establishing and practicing the path of the Bektashi Order. After him, his student, Harabati Baba made the Tekke in Tetovo, to commemorate His life. To this day, the Bektashi Order is part of the Albanian people, and is known for its tolerance and sincerity towards other religions, which can be clearly seen in their prayers for all humanity. Germany emphasizes religious freedom, and this can be clearly seen in the "House of ONE" - a building that unites a synagogue, a church and a mosque under one roof. "If we all understand each other we can live in complete harmony."
The President of the Bektashi Community of Macedonia, Prof. Dr. Arben Sulejmani, explained in English the whole exhibition and the history of the Harabati Baba tekke about the role and historical and religious importance of this religious and national hearth over the centuries.
The Secretary General of the Bektashi World Headquarters, Nuri Çuni, spoke in front of the audience about the role and importance of the Bektashi tekke in Tetovo, revealing rare data from the long and glorious history of this temple and the outstanding contribution of its clergy between generations.
In free discussions with Macedonian diplomatic and Bektashi representatives, international friends expressed high interest in the Bektashi Community and the historic Harabati Baba tekke in Tetovo. Their questions were difficult to answer: How is it possible that at this time in Northern Macedonia the decision of the International Court of Human Rights and consequently the Bektashi Community of Northern Macedonia is not respected and implemented recognize the right ?!
On this occasion, they revived this activity. Bektashi religious songs with well-known singers from areas inhabited by Albanians, from Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, (nefeset) were performed by "Voices united": singers Ajdari - Bakija.
The commemoration of the 484th anniversary of the founding of the Bektashi tekke of Tetovo Harabati Baba, continued in the premises of the tekke, Tetovo, where the relevant religious rituals took place. The Bektashi World Leader, His Holiness, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, the President of the Bektashi Community of Northern Macedonia, Arben Sulejmani, as well as the Harabari Tekke dervishes, Abdylmutalib Beqiri dervishes, received many visitors who came from Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia. to wish on this anniversary of one of the most important tekkes of the Bektashi world.
CITATE:
Prof. Skëndër Asani: "Harabati Baba tekke to be protected by UNESCO".
Grandfather, Dede EdmondBrahimaj"The tekke of Tetova has been a school and education for the clergy and the faithful, not only in the philosophy of our tariqat, but in a special way with the responsibility and deep human sensitivity".
"With the principles we inherited from our ancestors, with the right given to us by the laws and the Constitution of Northern Macedonia, but also with the unstinting help of our international friends, we believe that very soon Harabat Baba will return to times like its glorious times ”. "Religious freedom is an essential element in the development of open and sustainable democracies, enabling people to make a full contribution to society and culture ," said Eric Meyer .
Dutch Ambassador, z. Dirk Jan Kop"(In Macedonia) we call for the protection of the rights of religious minorities, including Bektashis, and demand the implementation of the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights."
Prepared
by Lorik Bakija
Nuri Çuni
