Bektashi World Leader, His Grace, Haji Dede Edmond Brahimaj: Xhaferr Sadik Dede remains an example of devotion to Bektashism and will be honored and respected by millions of believers around the world
Today marks an important event for millions of Bektashi believers around the world, the anniversary of the death of the well-known cleric of this faith, the former Bektashi World Leader Xhaferr Sadik Dede. Xhaferr Sadik Dede passed away on August 8, 1945. “In the history of over eight hundred years of Bektashism, among many clerics who have contributed to the protection and spread of this faith, an important place has Xhaferr Sadik Dede, who for for a time he was also the World Leader of Bektashism. The former World Leader of Bektashism, Xhaferr Sadik Dede remains an example of dedication and tireless work for this faith and is honored and respected by millions of believers around the world "- affirms the Bektashi World Leader, His Grace, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj.
Today, under the care of His Grace, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, in the premises of the Holy See of the Bektashi World Headquarters in Tirana, there is a reception in honor of the personality of this famous clergyman.
Xhafer Sadik Dede
Former World Leader of the Bektashis Xhafer Sadik Dede, originally from the city of Gjirokastra, was born in 1874, in the noble Baboçi family, with well-known Bektashi traditions. His parents nurtured him with love for God and homeland and gave him love and kindness by elevating his soul. Since childhood, his parents took him on visits and pilgrimages to the tekkes of Gjirokastra, such as Zall, Hajdarie, Melani, etc. After finishing school in his hometown, at the request of his parents, he acquired religious knowledge at the Zall tekke, where he became a myhib and dressed as a dervish. Around 1902 he goes to Haxhi Bektash in the capital of Bektashism Turkey. He was prepared there in the school of this center. Visited the holy places of the East such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt. Then he comes to Përmet and serves in the old tekke of this city. He supported all patriots in the cause of national liberation in the years 1908-1912. His tekke waited and escorted the freedom fighters. He cooperated closely with the tekke of Alipostivani with father Hajdari, father Abedin of Frashër etc.… He actively participates in the rallies of the abbey in Përmet with prominent clerics father Abedin of the tekke of Frashër and father Abdullai of the tekke of Alipostivan He expanded the Tekmet of Përmet and increased its properties and brought many people and intellectuals closer, becoming famous in Përmet and the whole area of the South. His contribution to the National Renaissance is great not only in Përmet, but also in Tepelena, Gjirokastra where he was present at every event of the fight for freedom and independence. For his contribution as a distinguished cleric, for the national cause, for his tireless work and devotion to Bektashism, the Clerical Council elected him the World Leader of the Bektashis in 25. IV. 1945. He worked as Grandfather for four months contributing at home and abroad until August 8, 1945 when he passed away. He organized and directed the Holy See in all its national and international activities with dedication as a trained clergyman. But unfortunately a fatal accident happened to him on the Tirana-Elbasan road, where he was with a service in the Bektashi Dedelik of Elbasan. He was seriously injured and died at the hospital in Tirana. His remains are buried in the tombs of dedelers in the Bektashi World Headquarters. After his death he was decorated by the President of the Republic of Albania in 1993 with the Order for "Patriotic Activities of Class I". He remains a prominent cleric of Bektashism for his religious and patriotic contribution we commemorate today with special reverence and respect from all Bektashi believers and much wider.
Baba Xhaferri tekke
For his dedication to the Path of Haxhi Bektash Veliu and the contribution he has given to Bektashism, Xhaferr Sadik Dede has been appreciated and will be continuously appreciated. A tekke in Përmet is called "Baba Xhaferri Tekke", due to the long leadership of this cleric and the good name he has left. This tekke was founded in 1861 by Bektash Babai, assisted by Ali Haqi Babai of Gjirokastra. Baba Xhemali contributed to the Declaration of Independence. Baba Abedini of Frashëri and Baba Xhemali of Përmet organized the extraordinary meeting on November 28, 1912 in Përmet, which mandated Mit’hat Abdyl Frashëri as the delegate of Përmet in the Historical Assembly of Vlora. Later, Xhafer Sadik Baba from Gjirokastra came to head the Përmet Tekke. He also became Dede, the World Leader of the Bektashis, who directed the proceedings of the IV Bektashi Congress. In January 1930, Sali Njazi Dedeja, who left Turkey and came to Albania to establish the Center of the World Headquarters of Bektashism, was received in Saranda by Baba Xhaferi of the Përmet Tekke, who together with 17 others accompanied him on the road Saranda-Tepelena-Përmet-Leskovik-Ersekë-Korçë. Sali Njazi Dedeja, the Martyr Grandfather of the Homeland, (killed in Tirana by the Italian fascist occupiers on November 28.1941), stayed one night in Suka and a few hours in Përmet. The Përmet tekke was also run by Baba Sabriu, Baba Barjami and Baba Zeneli. The tekke was closed by monism in 1967 and reopened by democracy on October 11, 1991, which is also the first day of the reopening of Bektashism in Përmet.
SOM
“When he was the head of the tekke in Përmet, Xhafer Sadik Dede, who played an important role in the spread and protection of the Albanian language in the province of Përmet. He has supported the factions for freedom and independence of Albania, he has worked closely with Mihal Grameno, Çerçiz Topulli, Hajredin Tremishtii. He wholeheartedly tried to help the fight against the Ottomans, the Greek andarts, etc. He was active in the 1920 Vlora war led by Selam Musai. His role is great in his valuable work for Bektashism, bringing together all Bektashi believers and intellectuals who had a special admiration for him.
Prepared by: Kujtim Boriçi, Nuri Çuni