On July 14, 2022, Teqeja Bektashiane Gjakova marked the 232nd anniversary of its foundation and the 15th anniversary of its reconstruction after looting, burning and destruction by the Serbian army.
In honor of this anniversary, the manifestation that took place at the headquarters of the Bektashian Bektashi Quarter of Kosovo was led by the Grandfather of the World Bektashian Headquarter, His Holiness Haxhi Dedebaba Edmond Brahimaj,
Leaders of religious faiths in Kosovo actively participated in the event, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kosovo, Mr. Dodë Gjergji, the head of the Protestant Church, Mr. Femi Cakolli, the Chief Imam of Gjakova, Mr. Visar Koshi. Also participated and greeted clerics from the Islamic Tariqats, Sheikh Mehmet Shehu Kaderi and Sheikh Leonard Shehu Saadi; from the Bektashian Community of northern Macedonia, the dervish of the Bektashian Teqe Harabati Baba in Tetovo and the dervish Abdylmutalib Beqiri.
This double anniversary of the Bektashi Tekke of Gjakova was honored with the presence of the chairperson of the municipal assembly of Gjakova, Mrs. Arbënesha Kuqi and the director of Culture in Gjakova, with colleagues. But, unable to be present, the mayor of Gjakova, Mr. Ardian Gjini, the mayor of Peja, Mr. Gazmend Muhaxheri and the mayor of Prizren, Mr. Shaqir Totaj, greeted.
All the clerics conveyed messages of peace, singling out calls for patriotism, especially for young people who are considering the path of exile.
In this topic, the World Grandfather of the Bektashians said that our land, our country, is blessed by God, we have four seasons and opportunities to produce our food. He mentioned the Bektashi motto "Without a Homeland there is no Faith", and called for people to work and live in their homeland, without rushing to exile.
The first of the Catholics of Kosovo praised the Bektashi as the initiators of the Albanian National Renaissance. The first of the Protestants of Kosovo recognized the same patriotic values of the Bektashi faith. While the chief imam of the KBIGJ, like others, appreciated the coexistence between faiths in Gjakova and Kosovo.
In this manifestation, the World Grandfather of the Bektashians, appreciated the history of the Tekke of Gjakova and that of Prizren, mentioning the countless contributions to the national and religious history. Grandfather Edmond Brahimaj mentioned the commitments of twelve Bektash fathers in Gjakovë, many of whom have contributed and served in Bektashian communities in Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia, but also in Haxhi Bektash, and in the holy places in Mecca, Medina, Nejhef, Qerbela, Baghdad, Horosan, and others. The Grandfather singled out the contribution of the Gjakova Teqe to the movement for national independence, appreciated the contribution of the Bektashian Tekke of Gjakova and that of Prizren in the organization and progress of the Albanian League of Prizren, among other things, he also appreciated the efforts of the Bektashians of Kosovo in the last fight for Freedom of the Independence of Kosovo.
With a speech, the dervish of our teke, Dervish Rrauf Radoniqi, presented details from the history of the teke of Gjakova, and who mentioned the move of the teke and Tyrbe from the first location to the current location, highlighting the challenges brought by the last war in our place.
Brahim Rama, the Bektashian myhibi, who disclosed historical information and personal experiences from his guardian, Baba Qazim Bakalli; as well as professor Agim Jaka who detailed the national religious activity of Baba Mumin Lama, before, during and after the war in Kosovo.
A good part of the discussions was taken up by the issue of the Bektashi Library of Gjakova, which held great treasures, ancient works, precious religious and secular manuscripts, important translations that remained in manuscript, enriched especially by the Bektashi fathers of Gjakova, and especially from Baba Hamza, Baba Adem Vexhiu and Baba Qazimi. This library was looted and burned by Serbian forces in 1999. While Baba Mumin Lama was strongly committed to enriching it, with the goal of returning it to its former glory.
All the Bektashi speakers voiced the long-standing request that the Bektash Community be recognized by the Government and the Assembly of Kosovo as a "Historical and Traditional Religious Faith in Kosovo".
After the ceremony, friends and believers attended an exhibition of photographs and historical documents about Bektashi history in Kosovo. While at the cocktail served on this occasion, the clergy and believers freely discussed current topics as well as those of religious history, as well as discussed the possibilities to increase harmony and interreligious coexistence among Albanians and especially in Kosovo.
The event was followed and broadcast by local media, such as Klan Kosova, Radio Gjakova, and others.
Prepared:
Lorik BAKIJA
