Mount Tomorr, one of the rare natural beauties of Albania, is among the most visited places in the third week of August. During this time, visits peak as tens of thousands of Bektashi believers, as well as others, participate in their annual pilgrimage to the Tekke of Abaz Ali.

The pilgrimage starts on August 20th, coinciding with the Holy Feast of the Bektashi, which is held from August 20th to 25th. This event annually attracts pilgrims to the Kulmak Tekke from across Albania and beyond.

Thousands of pilgrims, regardless of their religious beliefs, journey to the Kulmak Tekke to partake in the celebration of the ‘Baba Tomorr’ feast, following the Bektashi religious traditions.

On the last day of the pilgrimage, RTSH journalist Laureta Roshi reported from the most important Bektashi pilgrimage site in the world, the Tomb of Abaz Ali, stating that there was a large influx of both Albanian and foreign visitors and believers.

The large number of visitors from Albanian territories, the diaspora, and worldwide has turned this pilgrimage into an event of international significance.

All the believers and pilgrims who join this sacred festival offer a sacrificial lamb for themselves and their families as a sign of goodwill.

According to folklore, it is said that Abaz Ali, from Arabia, together with his younger brother, settled in Berat, becoming protectors of the region. His brother protected the city of Berat, while Abaz Ali settled in Tomorr to protect all the tribes and regions of Tomorr. On August 25th, his spirit is believed to come from Olympus and return to free the lands of Berat from all evils. The people have divine respect and honor for the two brothers, as they swear “by Baba Tomorr,” “by Abaz Ali.”

/k.s/