The President of the Republic, H.E.Mr. Meta together with the Mayor Zaira Rami, deputies of the area and representatives of the local government inaugurated the new road in the village of Kolonja of Gjirokastra. Afterwards, the President of the Republic and the local and central authorities attended a concert with polyphonic songs characteristic of the area on the occasion of the traditional May 10th holiday.
During this visit, the President of the Republic praised Father Fetah Xhelaj (posthumously) with the title "Naim Frashëri" for his contribution as a patriot and prominent religious leader who, in addition to faith in God, inspired the people with the ideal of freedom. In appreciation of the patriotic activity for the spread of the Albanian language and culture, as well as in the organization of the war against the invaders of the country ”.
Addressing to many present, including the Bektashi World Leader Haxhi Baba Edmond Brahimaj, President Meta noted that: “I am happy to be back here in Cologne on your already traditional May 10th holiday! Under this century-old plane tree, the bright history of Albanians has become where the groups of men of Kolonja and Kurvelesh have gathered. This square has united the sons and daughters of the village and the province in joys and sorrows. Here important decisions were taken and the men of the village and the province went to war in the national uprising for independence and the liberation of the country and the defense of the homeland. Honor and glory to the martyrs of Kolonja, Kurvelesh, Labëria and all of Albania! Respect also to the patriots and the colonial teachers, who 115 years ago opened the first Albanian school and in this centenary educated whole generations of colonists, who are distinguished at all times!
As is rare in other provinces, this square continues to thunder forever from the poliphonic songs, from the familiar toasts and unfolding of dances and beautiful costumes of the area. I congratulate you for preserving and keeping alive with so much love and passion the tradition of your noble ancestors! The feast of May 10 that you hold every year in memory and devotion of Father Fetah honors you before God and the Fatherland. It is a great event that conveys powerful messages of our ethno-cultural identity, pride and gratitude. This holiday is an expression of devotion and love for the land that was born to you and to which you belong. May 10 is a fraternal holiday not only for the sons longing for the homeland, but also for all of you , your friends as well as those passionate about tourism and the natural values that adorn your Cologne.
The fair and the folk festival that takes place here every year are extraordinary. Cologne livestock products such as meat, milk, butter, cheese, especially napa, are well known, but there are also underground sources such as phosphorite, salt, gas and oil. But the greatest wealth of the colonists is the goodness of their sons. The colonists have been distinguished at all times for their manliness, generosity, livestock mastery, but also for their literary talent, for their songs, for their painting, and in every field of life. I bow with respect to all the colonists wherever they are: Kolonjë, Tirana or abroad as you have not left out for a moment your village, your province, but come and fix the houses, meat, brandy, wine and even businesses.
Today we inaugurated a new road to Cologne. Enjoy it! This road should continue further towards Progonati and the coastal area and tourism, which need water, livestock products and your natural wonders. I wish with all my heart that these opportunities, your valuable assets and your services in the future make the life of the colonial inhabitants easier!
I welcomed with great pleasure the proposal of the ‘Kolonja’ Association for the decoration of Father Fetahu, the prominent patriot and religious leader, who inspired the believers and all the colonists with the love for freedom and the faith in God. Generations of Bektashis have examples of resilience and knowledge to the Homeland, as well as valuable contributions to the development and consolidation of the Albanian state.
Many tekkes in Albanian lands, in addition to their religious mission, became centers of true patriotism and cultural emancipation. The Backa tekke, which fortunately has been reconstructed, run by Father Fetahu, was one of them. It became a place of patriotism and the spread of the Albanian language. Father Fetahu's great merit is that he placed his potential, influence and cultural capacity in the service of the aspiration of the people who belonged to him for independence, education and culture. In addition to the divine faith, he defended in his believers the most accomplished traditions of manhood, honor and pride of being Albanian. In fulfillment of his noble mission, he won in time the worship of the colonists, of the whole province and of Gjirokastra. Today, on this beautiful holiday, I would like as President of the Republic, but also as a citizen of this country, to honor Father Fetahu with the decoration that bears the name of a prominent son of all Albania, with the title 'Naim Frashëri' . I would also like this assessment to serve at the same time as a gesture of gratitude for the contribution of all Bektashi clerics in the south of the country and in all Albanian lands.
On this happy holiday, I wish you once again congratulations, joy, health, peace and prosperity in your families! ”
