Bektashism's historical journey across Anatolia and the Balkans explored in Hacıbektaş, Türkiye
The historical development, cultural heritage and influence of Bektashism across Anatolia and the Balkans were discussed at an international forum held in Hacıbektaş, Türkiye, bringing together religious leaders, academics and researchers from several countries, including representatives from Western Thrace.
The “Bektashism in Anatolia and the Balkans from History to the Present” forum was held in Turkish and English with participants from Türkiye and several Balkan countries. Academics, researchers and invited guests attended the event from Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece.
The opening address was delivered by Esma Ersin, president of the Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Association. Ersin highlighted the significance of the Bektashi heritage in strengthening historical and cultural ties between Anatolia and the Balkans and emphasized the importance of preserving and passing this heritage on to future generations.
The forum featured three main sessions focusing on the historical and Sufi roots of Bektashism and its expansion from Anatolia into the Balkans.
Discussions also examined the spatial, cultural and social impact of Bektashi lodges across the Balkans, as well as the role of Bektashism in developing relations between Türkiye and Balkan countries and its potential future trajectory.
The program concluded with an evaluation session, the reading of a final declaration and a performance of traditional Bektashi devotional poetry, known as nefes.
Western Thrace representatives attend Hacı Bektaş Veli lodge visit
Ahead of the forum, participants also visited the Hacı Bektaş Veli Lodge, one of the most significant sites associated with the Bektashi tradition.
Admir Selmani, the spiritual leader of the Great Tekke of Elbasan in Albania, joined senior Bektashi figures Hacı Dursun Gümüşoğlu, Nevruz Akpınar, Salim Öztürk and Gürkan Özen at the lodge.
They were also accompanied by Ahmet Paşa Dede, Mehmet Koç Dede and Necmettin Kahya, dedes from the Seyyid Ali Sultan Lodge in Western Thrace.
The visit brought together Bektashi representatives and participants from Anatolia and the Balkans, with attendees invoking Hacı Bektaş Veli's message of unity, solidarity and coexistence.
The forum highlighted the enduring role of Bektashism as a shared cultural and spiritual heritage connecting communities across Anatolia and the Balkans.
