Tirana, Central Albania, Albania
Or was it a case of losing the will to live? I think these were the 4th and 5th religious buildings visited in one day. I had wandered off into my own little world in the 1st!
I shall keep, for a change my views to myself, just in case a I end up like salman rushdi. or am struck down by a bolt of lightning from the heavens.
The Bektashi World Center
The Bektashi Order is a dervish sect that fuses elements of predominantly Shia and Sufi thought into a unique blend of Islamic belief and philosophy.
When Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey in the 1920's he outlawed this branch of Islam, so they upsticks and moved their base to Albania. The original building was constructed and completed in 1941. religion under Enver Hoxar was banned so from 1967 to 1991 the place was shut down. Restoration was started and completed as recently as 2015.
Lovely well kept gardens.
Hajji Bektash Veliu, a mystic.
Dead people
Ceilings
Colourful bright architecture, and some rolls of carpet
Presented by the american jewish council to the bossman baba mondi.
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
This will be short and sweet as well, built as recently as 2012, its claim to fame? it is the 3rd biggest building in the Balkans, allegedly.
........and that's about it really. here are some snaps.
There is no history of note of these two places, insipid, soulless and devoid of character. But ho hum, I have been called a Philistine quite often, now let me go find some street art.
