Today is the 74th anniversary of the martyrdom of the well-known Cleric, Dede Hilmi Abaz, (March 13, 1887-18 March 1947), the former Bektashi World Leader, for the protection of the tradition of the Bektashi faith.
Dede Hilmi Abaz, until his self-martyrdom on March 18, 1947, like the Bektashi clerics for decades, was and remained an example of the devout cleric and patriot, standing decided in the reality of this peaceful belief, “Without a homeland, there is no religion!”…
It is known that after the coming to power of the monist regime in Albania after the liberation of the country in November 1944, which decided to gradually to close the religious institutions, to submit them to the state, to use them as long as they support the program of difficult situations were also created in the Bektashi community in Albania. This brought about the tragic event of March 18, 1947.
Until, the perception of the situation step by step. … The creation of the “Progressive” Group for reform in the matter of marriage and uniform by Father Faja and Father Fejzo, in which he was also an influential power, was strongly opposed by Dede Abazi and some other clerics. This led to the murder of father Faja and father Fejzo by Dede Abazi and, he latter committed suicide, also in the premises of the Bektashi Holy See. This is the tragic drama of March 18, 1947.
Referring to the archival documents of the time, it is concluded that the state of the time, tried to minimize the causes of the tragedy, which left traces not only in the Bektashi community, but much wider. Thus, in a “Top Secret” circular, the leadership of the time gave messages on the basis, for this purpose. In it, among other things, it is said: “… ..let do not come out that Dede Abazi, defender of religion and father Faja and father Fejzo that they wanted to destroy the religion, sold to the government… ..” (ASHV, Durrës: F. 1, V. 1947. D. 52, fl. 2). For this event, the Pope of Rome raised the half-spear flag, in gratitude to the Bektashi World Leader, Dede Hilmi Abazi.
Appreciation of the Bektashi World Leader,
His Holiness, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj:
Dede Abaz Hilmiu, belongs to the excellent constellation of Bektashi fathers, who never separated, God in heaven and Homeland on earth. Educated since childhood and then in his youth, with the love of the Frashëllinj for the Albanian territories, although he lived for several years in Egypt, he would come as misionar of Haxhi Bektashi in the beautiful lands of southern Albania. In Prishta, Suka, Frashër, he would enter in the hearts of thousands of Bektashi believers, illuminating them, with the divine light of our traditional goodness and wisdom. In particular, the devotion of this prominent cleric would stand out in the years 1920-1940, in Albania full of political turmoil. Dede Abaz Hilmiu and during his tenure as the leader of the Holy See of the Bektashi World Headquarters, was distinguished for his deep love for the Albanian believers, of every faith. He followed the footsteps of his ancestors, considering Bektashism as a wisdom and faith for the believers in all Albanian territories, in Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and even in the regions of Chameria. He remained faithful to the end to the Bektashi customary principles and codes ..! ”
Prepared by: Nuri ÇUNI; Kujtim BORIÇI
