Tekke Dervish Hatixhe

In a small lane in the Rruga Dervish Hatixhe you can find the Bektashi Tekke of Dervish Hatixhe. It is not an architecturally interesting building, but for those who would like to know more about the Bektashi religion it is worth visiting it.

Hatixhe lived in the 18th century in this district of Tirana and was a noted advocate for society’s weak people, women and the sick, no matter what religion they belonged to, or what origin they were. Through her work and profound social influence, she was awarded the status of a saint. It is told of old of how she transformed her own home into a hospital. During a cholera epidemic, she healed the sick without getting ill herself and this was believed to be evidence of her spiritual power. Hatixhe died in 1798 and her grave became a pilgrimage site for all those who believe in her healing powers. The Tekke, built next to her grave is the most visited sites in Tirana today, especially as a spiritual pilgrimage for women.

The Bektashi are a very open faith community and all are welcome to visit the Tekke. When you enter the Tekke, on the right side is a room lit with candles which you can buy at a kiosk at the entrance of the little street. With the wax of the candle visitors write their wishes and prayers on the walls of this room. In the opposite is the men’s prayer room. It is the most used room in the building and is similar to a mosque. Following the corridor, one enters the room of the tombs of the holy Hatixhe, her brother and her children. Both in the prayer room, and in this room you are required to take off your shoes before entering. In accordance with Bektashi rules, you enter the room with the right foot first and circle the graves three times. Believers kiss and touch the corners of tombs and the paintings on the wall. The prayer is ended by kneeling and praying in front of the Koran. Visitors leave the Tekke walking backwards, with their face towards the tombs, being careful that one leaves the room with the left foot first.

Unlike other Tekke, the head of this Tekke is extraordinarily a mother and not a father as is usual. They preach, pray, and attend to the spiritual care of the faithful. If you like, you can sit on the bench situated on the left side of the prayer room and just watch. Some women put clothes of their loved ones on the graves and hope that the healing powers of Hatixhe will be transferred to them.