Bektashis faithful celebrate Sultan Nevruz today

Around the world, every March 22, Bektashis believers celebrate what is known in their faith as the “New Day” and the birthday of Imam Ali, also recognized as Nevruz Day.

The festival originates from Ancient Iran (Persia) and is essentially aimed at the renewal of life, the arrival of spring, and the start of the solar new year, when the days begin to exceed the nights.

Similar to the pagan celebration of the Summer Solstice, this religious festival in the Bektashi tradition shares many of the same colors and symbols.

The morning of March 22 is associated with a ritual emphasizing personal hygiene. If the day is meant to symbolize colors, clothing should be somewhat spring-like. It is customary to place a blossoming branch at the doorstep as a springtime omen.

Bektashi tradition calls for a prayer of gratitude at the sacred site, the tekke. If a sacrifice (kurban) is performed, it is recommended to leave a “mark,” meaning a drop of blood from the kurban remains on the forehead for a short moment.

Wheat is the main plant of the day. People may plant some seeds or enjoy wheat-based foods. Ashura, a traditional dish, is made from wheat. At home, meals on this day should include items such as garlic, vinegar, apples, thyme, ashura, candles, the Qur’an, and a small clean mirror as a good luck symbol. In some decorations, a small aquarium with a red fish is also considered auspicious. Natural flowers should be present in the home, especially in areas where people spend more time.

For Sultan Nevruz, Bektashis prepare a pastry (byrek) with 12 different types of herbs. A coin is hidden inside, and whoever finds it in their portion is considered lucky and is believed to have a prosperous year ahead.

On this day, people also prepare pershesh with chicken or lamb. The traditional dessert of the festival is sultiaşi.

This dessert consists of milk, symbolizing mother’s milk; rice, symbolizing grains and abundance; and syrup, blessed at the tekke. Another sweet prepared for the festival is kabuni, made with rice, meat broth, sugar, raisins, and walnuts.

In rural areas, children roll out a special bread dough in the wheat fields, symbolizing bringing abundance to the family. Bektashi believers also exchange visits and greetings, with younger members visiting elders according to tradition.

**What is the significance of Sultan Nevruz?**

Before Islam, the Persians celebrated this festival. They had two seasons, summer and winter, and on March 22 they celebrated the arrival of summer, which lasted until September 22. Later, in the Islamic world, March 22 was recognized as the birthday of Imam Ali, the only child born inside the Kaaba. Since then, Sultan Nevruz has been celebrated by Sufi orders as the birthday of Imam Ali. The Bektashi community has been observing this festival on the same date for around 800 years.

The festival symbolizes the revival of nature: animals awaken from winter sleep, trees bud, and plants flourish. The name “Nevruz” comes from Persian and means “New Day.” The title “Sultan” is the highest honor. In Albania, the festival began to be celebrated around the 14th century when Bektashism spread in the country. The celebration lasts three days.

On March 22, Imam Ali was born, and three days later the day was formally named. Believers exchange visits, pray, and help those in need. In the morning, milk and syrup are distributed to the faithful and all attendees, symbolizing the purification of body and soul. These two drinks are considered heavenly beverages.

“KORÇA BOOM”