Tekke of Sheh Emini

The Tekke of Sheh Emini was founded in the early 1800s by Sheh Emin Efendi, a spiritual leader of the Halveti Sufi order. The Halvetis emphasize inner purification, silent meditation (halvet), and rhythmic chanting (zikr) as paths to divine connection. The tekke served as both a spiritual retreat and a community center, hosting rituals, poetry readings, and charitable work. 

Architecturally, the tekke features a modest stone exterior, a wooden portico, and an interior prayer hall with carpets, lanterns, and symbolic objects. A small garden courtyard surrounds the building, often used for reflection and seasonal gatherings. The tekke also includes a türbe (tomb) of Sheh Emini, where followers come to pay respects. 

During the Yugoslav period, many tekkes were closed or repurposed, but the Sheh Emini Tekke remained active thanks to local support. It was restored in the early 2000s and is now protected as a cultural monument. The Halveti community continues to hold rituals here, especially during Ramadan, Mawlid, and Ashura. 

For visitors, the tekke offers a quiet counterpoint to the city’s bustle, a place where spiritual depth, poetic tradition, and architectural grace converge.