This article is not directly related to tourism in Albania, but rather to one of the country’s religious aspects. When I discovered Bektashism, I found it very interesting, even though religion has never really been one of my passions.
In this article, you’ll therefore find a short history of this branch of Islam (which is not easy when dealing with history and religion, but I did my best!).
In the second part, you’ll understand the connection between Albania and this religion.
What is Bektashism?
It is a branch of Shia Islam founded in the 13th century by an influential philosopher of the time, Hacı Bektaş Veli, in Anatolia, a region of Turkey.
The order is said to have been officially established in 1501. Bektashism later gained influence under the Ottoman Empire after being adopted by the Janissaries, the elite imperial guard of the Ottoman army. Once the Janissaries became too powerful, they were massacred in 1826, and the Bektashis were forced to leave Turkey.
This is why the world center of Bektashism is now located in Albania, more specifically in Tirana since 1930. Before that, it was located in North Macedonia and later in Korçë.
Bektashism, a syncretic religion
It stands out for its mystical, esoteric, and syncretic beliefs and practices. It is described as syncretic because it incorporates elements of:
- Shia Islam, with the veneration of Ali and the Shia imams
- Sufism, through spiritual and esoteric practices
- Anatolian traditions, influenced by the region’s pre-Islamic beliefs
- Christianity, through the particular importance given to saints
The main principles of Bektashism
- Monotheism: Bektashis believe in one God, Allah, and venerate the Prophet Muhammad.
- Mysticism: As mentioned earlier, great importance is placed on purification of the soul and the search for inner truth.
- Rituals and ceremonies: Spiritual dances, chants, and ceremonies of spiritual communion play an important role.
- Egalitarianism: This is perhaps the aspect that most distinguishes Bektashism from other Islamic traditions: it promotes equality between men and women. Women do not wear veils and pray side by side with men.
Organization within the religion
The Tekke
A tekke could be compared to a mosque without a minaret or to a Christian monastery. It is not only a place of prayer, but also a space where meetings and ceremonies take place. In the early days of the religion in Albania, tekkes also served as social and educational centers, which greatly contributed to the spread of the faith by attracting new local followers.
The tekke differs from mosques through its openness to everyone, regardless of gender or religion. It also serves as a residence for dervishes, religious men known for their spiritual commitment.
This religion functions through a system of initiation and spiritual progression in which followers are guided by their spiritual masters.
Symbols and iconography
Bektashism uses the five-pointed star representing the five pillars of Islam:
- Declaration of faith
- Prayer
- Charity
- Pilgrimage
- Fasting
Mystical poetry is central to spiritual practice and is often accompanied by traditional music. Yunus Emre was a poet and intellectual who enriched Turkish culture through poems about love for Allah and Muhammad, as well as messages of peace among people.
Albania and Bektashism
Bektashism arrived in Albania mainly through the influence of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the Balkans for several centuries.
The protection and support of certain major Albanian families also contributed to the development of the religion.
We can also mention the Frashëri brothers, especially the youngest, Naim, a poet and writer renowned for his patriotic and spiritual poetry. He was a follower of Bektashism, which influenced his vision of freedom and brotherhood. As a result, he incorporated mystical elements of this religion into his writings.
During the dictatorship, Reshat Bardhi managed to maintain the practice of Bektashism clandestinely. In 1991, he was officially proclaimed “Dede,” the supreme leader of the Bektashis. He led religious delegations to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans. He was also received by Pope John Paul II in 2001 and 2003. Finally, in 2008, he welcomed Recep Tayyip Erdoğan — then Prime Minister of Turkey — to Tirana.
After his death in 2011, Edmond Brahimaj — known as Baba Mondi — succeeded him as head of the Bektashis. Today, he is the spiritual leader of 7 million Bektashis worldwide, including around 100,000 in Albania. The religion is practiced mainly in Turkey, Albania, and certain communities in Macedonia and Kosovo.
The pilgrimage to Mount Tomorr
At an altitude of 2,382 meters, Mount Tomorr hosts the largest Muslim pilgrimage in Europe every year.
Since 1929, Bektashis have gathered at the summit to pay tribute to Abbas ibn Ali, an extremely important figure in Shia Islam and especially for the Bektashis. According to local tradition, his ashes were brought to Mount Tomorr after his death in Iraq in 680. Other sources, however, claim that he was killed and buried in the holy Shia city of Karbala in Iraq.
In any case, every year more than 200,000 people make the ascent between August 20 and 25 to pay homage.
The ascent is completed in several stages, passing symbolic rocks and the mausoleum of Iljazi, the dervish who initiated this pilgrimage.
At the summit stands the mausoleum of Abbas ibn Ali. Built in 2006, it houses a sarcophagus symbolizing his tomb.
Fun fact
Orthodox Christians also organize a pilgrimage for the Dormition of the Mother of God on August 15.
Good to know
In the forest at the entrance to the village of Leusa stands the Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God. It dates back to the 18th century and contains frescoes from the early 19th century. It is only accessible on foot by crossing the forest!
I hope this article has helped shed some light on Bektashism. In my opinion, it is an important part of history that has influenced Albania and its current identity. If you enjoyed this and are planning a trip to Albania, don’t hesitate to visit a tekke to immerse yourself further in this spiritual religion.
