Ali Riza (Ali Riza Dede or Ali Riza of Elbasan) (1882–1944) was the 2nd Dedebaba of the Bektashi Order.[1][2]

Ali Riza
1942 photograph of Ali Riza Dede
2nd Bektashi Dedebaba
In office
6 January 1942 – 22 February 1944
Preceded bySali Njazi
Succeeded byKamber Ali
Personal
Born(1882-10-18)18 October 1882
Died22 February 1944(1944-02-22) (aged 61)
ReligionIslam
NationalityAlbanian
Organization
OrderBektashi Order

Biography

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Ali Riza was born in Krujë, Albania, which was then in the Ottoman Empire; hence, he is sometimes also known as Ali Riza of Kruja. His date of birth is uncertain, and could be either 1876 or 1882.[1]

For 10 years, Ali Riza served at the tekke in Fushë Krujë, after which he served as a dervish in Martanesh. Baba Ahmet Turani then appointed him as the baba of Baba Hamit Tekke in Elbasan. He was the baba of the tekke from November 1921 to December 1941.[1]

After the death of Salih Nijazi Dedebaba, Ali Riza succeeded him as Dedebaba. Although initially reluctant to serve as Dedebaba because he felt that he did not have enough knowledge, he continued to serve in that role until his death on 22 February 1944.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Elsie, Robert (2019). The Albanian Bektashi: history and culture of a Dervish order in the Balkans. London: I.B. Tauris. ISBN 978-1-78831-569-2. OCLC 1108619669.
  2. ^ Ali Riza Dede Baba (Kryegjyshata Botërore Bektashiane)
Preceded by Dedebaba
6 January 1942 - 22 February 1944
Succeeded by