Bektashi World Leader, His Holiness, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj: "Placing the bust, appreciation for the contribution of Dede Reshati and Bektashism for peace, kindness, love and homeland!"
Yesterday, on September 2, 2021, the tekke of Kuzum Babai and all the believers of Vlora, have experienced a special festive day associated with two important events, the traditional ashura ceremony in the Bektashi tekke of Kuzum Babai and the ceremony of placing the bust of the former Bektashi World Leader, dede Reshat Bardhi in this tekke.
The high authorities, representatives of politics, leaders of religious communities in Vlora, believers and others present took part in this day marked in the premises of the tekke of "Kuzum Babai".
After a fast lasting 10 days of the lunar month of Muharram (Muharram is the beginning of the new Hijri year according to the Muslim calendar), where 72 martyrs who fell heroes in Karbala, led by Imam Husayn, are commemorated on the day of ten of Matem, to end this period of fasting, a ceremony takes place in the tekke during which the believers drink the water of life, the syrup and after that, the "Day of Ashura" continues. The tenth day means Ashura, which marks the anniversary of the death of Imam Husayn in Karbala.
In both ceremonies, the greeting speech was given by the Bektashi World Leader, His Holiness, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, who, among other things, said: “Dear my clergy brothers! Believing brothers and sisters present today at the Kuzum Baba tekke, on the day of Ashura! I am glad to be here with you and allow me, as the Bektashi World Leader, to bless you and wish you luck and prosperity in your families! May you always have health and prosperity! May God be pleased with your attention and devotion to Karbala and Imam Husayn! The evocation of the events of Karbala is not simply a "journey" in the history of the Bektashism. More than that, this event is related to the morality, spiritual height and Divine purity of millions of Bektashi believers of all times and all places. Such a valuable lesson, such a courageous action as that of Imam Husayn, although the last minute price was known, gives us to realize that it is worth sacrificing for the purification and exaltation of the soul. The Feast of Ashura, is a seemingly simple ceremonial, but irreplaceable for our Bektashi tradition… We fasted together on the day of mourning, we talked and followed together the tragic events of Karbala. We have remembered and recalled the sublime act of the 72 martyrs and the immortal knight Imam Husayn, peace be upon him. We have seen and talked about the extent to which the devil and human wickedness embodied in Yazid and Mavija can go. The curse of the Most High God accompanies them and their followers! And we have learned that by being all fraternally united, we can defeat evil and goodness, have the motto of our work and life! And our appeal remains, more kindness, peace, love and unity between people, regardless of race, color, idea or religion. By gathering together today on this marked day, we become more aware of the worship of the Great God, our hope for coping with the difficulties we are going through today is increased, our strength is increased to walk on the path of goodness! A special thanks goes today to the author of the bust, the talented sculptor Mr. Henri Mimani. God bless you all! Amin!"
