On March 4, 1935, the theologian, the World Grandfather of Bektashism, hajji dede Reshat Bardhi, was born in Kukës. In 1954 he became the World Grandfather of Bektashism. He has been honored with the title “Torch of Democracy”. He has also been praised by the President of the United States of America, George W Bush, regarding his firm stance against the barbaric act of September 11, 2000. He has been honored by Pope John Paul II during the World Conference on an international dialogue for the sake of Peace. Since March 2005, he holds the Gold Order of “Naim Frashëri”. On April 2, 2011, the Great Grandfather of the Bektashians passed away at the age of 76 after an incurable illness.

On March 4, 1946, Father Gjon Shllaku, a Franciscan priest, was shot. At the age of 24, he was ordained a priest on March 15, 1931. After World War II, he was accused of anti-communism, as the founder of the Democratic Christian party. He was arrested in January 1946. After severe tortures in prison, on February 22, 1946, he was sentenced to death.

On March 4, 1967, the Cathedral Church of Shkodra was closed. The war against religion started on February 7, 1967 in Durrës.

On March 4, 1981, the demonstrations of Kosova students in Prishtina began, which were called the `81 Demonstrations. The Jugoslav police, after the brutal intervention against the demonstrators, detained a large number of students.

/a.p./