Father Hekuran Nikollari passes away

2025-02-04 11:06:00, Aktualitet CNA

Father Hekuran Nikollari has passed away.

He had served for years as a Cleric in the Tekke of Baba Ali in Alipostivan.
Baba Hekuran Nikollari was one of the well-known guides for the Bektashi community of the Gjirokastra region and beyond.

Father Hekuran Nikollari passed away at the age of 62.

Baba Hekurani was born on September 7, 1963 in Seniçan, Përmet. He completed primary school and the 8-year “Riza Velçishti” school in Seniçan, then started high school “Kamber Bënja” in Bënja. After 2 years, forced by the family’s economic difficulties, he dropped out of school and started working at the Mërtinj cooperative, then at the Reclamation of Përmet, at the Këlcyrë Water Enterprise and at the Utilization-Processing of Wood in Përmet.

In 1992 he emigrated to Greece. In 2000 he returned to his homeland, to Senica. In Senica he rebuilt the Mekam in the place called “Ahuri i Nakove”, which is still called “I miri i Nakove” today. On March 22, 2001 he went to Alipostivan. The tekke was destroyed in 1967. He relied on the family of Refat Hasimi with patriotic traditions. With Refat, who was the master, together with Demir Elmaz and the believers of Alipostivan, they initially erected the shrine of Baba Ali Horasani. For this he had the blessing and support of the World Patriarch Haxhi Dede Reshat Bardhi. On April 4, 2002, after staying for several days near the Holy See in Tirana, Haxhi Dede Reshat Bardhi, clothed him with the Bektashi robe.

He was appointed dervish in the tekke of Baba Ali Khorasani in Alipostivan. This day is sacred to Baba Hekurani, his spiritual birthday. In the years 2007-2009 he was appointed and worked as a dervish in the tekke of Frashëri, which he rebuilt and preserved the originality of the monument of history and culture of this famous tekke. For several years he served in the tekke of Kulmak Tomorr.

By the Holy Decree, No. 7 dated 29.12.2009, the World Grandfather of the Bektashis, Saint Haxhi Dede Reshat Bardhi, was given the title 'Baba; and was appointed Baba of the tekke of "Baba Nasibiu" in Frashëri, of the tekke of "Baba Aliu" in Alipostivan and of the tekke of "Baba Xhaferi" in the city of Përmet. Baba Hekurani has been awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen" by the Municipal Council of Poliçan, the Title of "Honor of Frashëri" by the Municipal Council of Frashëri, with Decision No. 19, dated 21.03.2015) and by the President of the Republic, with the "Naim Frashëri Golden Order".

On this occasion, President Bajram Begaj shared a message of condolence, which, among other things, emphasizes the important role of Baba Hekuran Nikollari towards Bektashi believers.

"I learned with pain of the passing of Baba Hekuran Nikollari, the cleric who continued the work of Baba Ali, serving as an inspiration and guide for the Bektashi community of the Gjirokastra region and beyond.
Thanks to the extraordinary work of Baba Hekuran Nikollari, the Tekke of Baba Ali in Alipostivan was rebuilt from the ruins.
He restored this sacred place to a symbol of Albanian values, a monument of peace, love and help for the disadvantaged.
Baba Hekurani will always be remembered for his dedication to believers, as a defender of national identity and the spread of religious harmony.
I express my deepest condolences to the family, the Bektashi believers and I join the prayers for the peaceful rest of the soul of Baba Hekuran Nikollari.", - the President's message reads. /CNA