Last Updated on June 28, 2019 by PowersToTravel
The following morning we left our Hotel Mangalemi and walked the narrow alleys of Berat. On the street level the alleys were wide enough for two to walk abreast, however at each successive floor above, the extensions of the houses grew ever closer over the alley. Eventually the top floors of each side almost touched.
Our guide took us to a nearby Bektashi mosque, known as the King’s Mosque, or Xhamia Mbret. He had explained on the way to Berat that the Bektashi are a sect of the Dervishes. Cartoon whirling Dervishes came to mind, however the image was soon banished by Kledi’s description of moderate Muslims, reading and debating. At the temple we removed our shoes and entered a building bathed in blue light.
The Bektashi holy men once a year climb Mount Tomor during a special time in August. They each bring with them a lamb which they sacrifice, and then remain on the mountain overnight.
Kledi seemed very proud of the Albanian heritage of religious tolerance. The Bektashi are respected and their religious code itself teaches respect, reasoning, and tolerance. Within Albania the dominant groups are Muslim, Greek Orthodox Christian and Atheists. Prior to Communism and the ban of religion, Albania had been a cross-roads of Eastern and Western culture and was known for Coexistence. Arriving in Albania now from a world of polarized religion I felt refreshed.
With the end of Communism and the influx of religious groups, both for humanitarian and religious reasons, I fear for the Albania spirit of tolerance. Perhaps I fear unnecessarily, as Albanians have such a long history of being a part of someone else’s empire and yet they continue their unique national identity. Even through the Communist period Albania was unique in protecting vigorously its culture and outlook. Now with freedom its people seem proud of their heritage and their future.
Berat Alley
Related Links
An excellent brief history of Bektashi, do read it: http://www.inyourpocket.com/albania/tirana/The-Bektashi-sect_70140f
Some historical details on the King’s Mosque: http://argophilia.com/albania/king-mosque.html
More info on Berat: http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Berat
Diabetic Travel Tips
Just watch your steps on the cobblestones as any tourist should! They can be slippery even when they are not wet.
Check out this article of mine too:
Albania Travel Blog – Itinerary, Impressions and Diabetic Travel Tips
The photos were clear and beautiful and your comments revealed much about the culture and thoughtfulness of the people. Thank you for the map.