Lazarat should be the center of the Bektashi state

2024-09-25 21:06:00, Opinione Avdulla Kënaçi

It is known that the South of Albania is mostly of the Bektashi faith, but the population that has remained loyal to it more than anyone else is that of Lazarat. Historically, they have frequented and kept on foot the Teqene e Zalli, from where the dissident Dervish Rexhepi came out, who created the Bektashi Teqene near Detroit in the United States of America. America not only supported him, but gave him a building and land in Michigan. This town became a refuge, a national inspiration and a generous residence of Albanian immigrants.

During the communist dictatorship, Lazarat was excommunicated, persecuted and suffered successive blows precisely because he was loyal to this faith and this religion. Geographically, even today, Teqeja e Zallit is between Gjirokastra and Lazarat, where there are empty spaces, but I think that the entire village of Lazarat should be part of this state. In every period, they have given proof of autochthonousness, independence and loyalty to the Albanian nation.

They are located on the border of the Greek minority, precisely with the large village of Dervician, where Micotaqi has recently sent the monument of his father. Lazarat has not created any conflict with the Greek minority, no enmity, no murder, it is a model of fraternal relations between nations. They are a population with traditions and dignity, compact and masculine, unwavering in their convictions.

Today, Gjirokastra holds the first place for tourism, it will be interesting if some areas of Teqe se Zallit will be turned into museums, exposing the history of Bektashism and the center over the years. Bektashism is known for tolerance, practicality and respect for human beings, be they men or women. Bektashism does not fight any other religion or faith. He lives in harmony with the Orthodox, Catholics and Israelis, etc.

Bektashism hates war and at every moment promotes peace, religious coexistence and national unity. The capital in Tirana has the building, 11 ha of land and the administration, but it has no population, its own loyalists, while the people of Teqeza of Zalli are there, Lazarati. There is no sense in an administration without its own population. Teqeja e Zallit has the village of Lazarat, special and original in every way. That is precisely where the Bektashi Sovereign State should be.