Today, October 12, 2021, is commemorated the 151st anniversary of the founding of the Bektashi tekke of Benca in Tepelena, an important object of the Bektashi faith and a well-known center of patriotism. This cult object, which is thought to have been originally erected in 1870, is located northwest of the city of Tepelena and is located within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Tepelena. This tekke, with an ancient history, has found reflection in foreign archives, where we mention F.W. and M. Hasluk, father Rexhepi etc.… This center depended on the Quarter of Gjirokastra and has a well-known activity in the National Renaissance and in all subsequent periods of Albanian history, including the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War 1939-1944.
The clerics who have run this tekke for years are, father Bajrami (1939-1944), father Muhamet Rapaj 1939-1963, etc. It was closed in 1967, with the banning of religion by law by the monist state. A tomb was rebuilt in the village of Bënçë and inaugurated four years ago, attended by the Bektashi World Leader, His Holiness, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj. Apart from being an important cult object, this tekke is also a beautiful tourist place. It is located on top of the rock, in a very beautiful landscape, very close to the Benca water supply. This tekke is a tourist attraction due to the spectacular view you see from the Vjosa River.
Prepared by:
Nuri Çuni
