Between Social Transformation and Continuity: Bektashi Sufi Music Tradition in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Bektashism order as a spiritual direction in Sufism has always aroused attention regarding social behavior stemming from its doctrine and ideology. In the Republic of Macedonia, Bektashi dervish order has its roots in the 13th century, before the arrival of the Ottomans, through the activity of the dervishes who traveled and settled in this territory. One of the most important and influential tekkes is Harabati Baba in Tetovo, built during the 16th century, which in the course of history has passed through turbulent social ordeals, but still remains a synonym of Bektashism in the Republic of Macedonia. Hence came our idea to present in this paper the social transformations resulting from the change in the ethnic structure of the followers, and the social and political situation of the country. We view this situation through musical tradition, because it is an important part of the ritual and serves as a fundamental tool in the expression of mystical theosophy. We achieved our goal through field research, by interviews and analysis of audio and printed music materials that are used today and testify to the change of the sound image of the music tradition of Bektashi in Harabati Baba Tekke in Tetovo.

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