512th Ayvaz Dede Festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 512th Ayvaz Dede Festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ayvaz Dede from Manisa Akhisar (Türkiye), who came to Bosnia for guidance five centuries ago, is one of the most important symbols of Bosnians’ conversion to Islam.
Travnik Mufti Ahmed Adilovic shared the following information about Ayvaz Dede:
“Ayvaz Dede prays for 40 days and 40 nights in the drought-ridden region and when he wakes up, he finds the mountain that split in half and the river flowing loudly. Thus, the people of the region get water.”
More than a hundred horsemen showed up in the city center.
A traditional flag delivery ceremony was held as part of the events.
The performance of the Ministry of National Defense Janissary Band also attracted great attention.
Horsemen from all over the country also took part in the parade held in the city center.
Scouts affiliated with the Turkish Scouting Federation also took their place in the parade. There was a large participation from Turkey to the events held this year.
A Bosnian boy said, “I am also very happy to see the Ayvaz Dede festivities. Normally we would return. I am glad we came here and waited. I mean, we saw the horses as well.”
Celebrated with the participation of thousands of people every year, the Ayvaz Dede Festival is known as the longest-running event ever held in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
