Hundreds of believers went yesterday (August 26, 2022) to the mountain of Kruja, to the famous tekke of Sarisalltik (built in the XIII century), on the Day of Ashura, which according to the centuries-old Bektashi tradition, takes place in the month of Muharrem. On this occasion, the ceremony was organized by the Bektashi Quarter of Kruja, where the World Grandfather of the Bektashians, His Holiness Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, participated and led the rites. Also present were the chairman of the State Committee for Cults, Mr. Klodian Bulku; the vice mayor of Krujë Municipality, Mr. Flor Cerhozi; See Bujar Horasani, Chairman of the Kadri Tariqat; See Qemaludin Reka, Chairman of the Rufai Order, dervish Sali Peti, several deputies of the Republic of Albania, etc.
The World Grandfather Bektashian, Dede Edmond Brahimaj, greeted and blessed those present and wished them health and happiness in their families and continued efforts, for as much love, mutual respect, charity, unity, and above all, worship and hope in the Great God. "As the Bektashian World Grandfather, I wish you all, who are today in Sarisalltik, in this holy place and the earliest in Albania, on the Day of Ashura. This is a marked day for all of us. The blessings of this holy place, love and brotherhood for all. May God bless you" - affirmed, among others, in his greeting, Dede Edmond Brahimaj.
In this important Bektashi event, there was also a special guest, the Princess of the Philippines, Maria Torres Amor, at the same time the head of a well-known association committed to strengthening peace and friendship. Her presence in Albania is related to a tour of hers in Europe, with the aim of giving painted portraits of some famous personalities in the world, made by herself. She came from Croatia where she presented their portraits to the former Presidents Stipe Mesic, Filip Vujanovic), to Kosovo where she presented the portrait made by her to the former President Fatmir Sejdiu, to Albania to present the portraits to the former President Alfred Moisiu and the Grandfather World Bektashian, Dede Edmond Brahimaj. Presenting the portrait to the Great Grandfather, she appreciated the role and mission of Dede Edmond Brahimaj for world harmony and peace, inviting him to an important activity that will take place next December in her homeland.
After the ceremony, the ashura was distributed. The visits to the cave of Sarisalltik were impressive for the seili and the warm conversation with each other brought love and understanding between the pilgrims.
Prepared by:
Xhorxhin Cullhaj
