Reshat Bardhi

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Haxhi Reshat Bardhi (born May 4, 1935 in Lusna , Kukës district , Albania ; † April 2, 2011 in Tirana , Albania) was Dedebaba ( Grand Dede ) of the Sufi order ( tariqa ) of the Bektashi and thus the head of this Muslim religious community. As such, he resided in the Albanian capital Tirana.

Life

Relatives of Reshat Bardhi took part in the anti-fascist resistance struggle of the Albanians during World War II . Two of his brothers were partisans. In 1948 the Bardhi family moved to Tirana. The Bardhis were traditionally associated with the Bektashi and Reshat grew up in this religious tradition. In Tirana he initially took part in the charitable activities of this religious community. Gradually he was initiated into the religious practice of the Bektashi and at the same time devoted himself to theological studies. At the age of 18 he became a dervish in 1953 .

In the following two years, Bardhi completed his military service. Returning to his religious duties, he became Baba in 1956 , head of a Bektashi community. Since then, the communist rulers have persecuted him . From 1958 to 1968 he was imprisoned in a camp under the Stalinist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha . Like almost all Albanians who were in prison or camp for political or ideological reasons, Bardhi was also sent to an internment village after his arrest , which he was not allowed to leave and where he was to do forced labor for the rest of his life. Bardhi was mainly used in road construction and quarries until he was released after the fall of the regime in 1990 after more than 32 years.

Reshat Bardhi returned to Tirana and was called to Dedebaba of the Bektashi in 1991. Since then he has led this Muslim denomination. During his tenure, many Tekken in central and southern Albania were rebuilt or newly established, for example in Tirana, near Elbasan , on Mount Tomorr and in Vlora . According to the tradition of his order, Bardhi campaigned for peace and religious tolerance. He maintained good contacts with the bishops of the Christian churches and the Sunni muftis in Albania. On March 18, 2005, together with the leaders of the other religions in Albania, he signed a declaration of moral commitment and cooperation .

On April 2, 2011, he died of complications from heart disease. He was succeeded by Haxhi Baba Edmond Brahimaj .

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personal data
SURNAME Bardhi, Reshat
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Albanian clergyman, head of the Sufi order of the Bektashi
DATE OF BIRTH May 4, 1935
PLACE OF BIRTH Lusna, Kukës County , Albania
DATE OF DEATH April 2, 2011
Place of death Tirana , Albania