Tekke of Sheh Emini
An important 18th-century Rufai Sufi tekke in Gjakova's Old Bazaar, revered as a spiritual center and a museum of traditional Albanian architecture.
Accessibility Notes: Visitors welcome outside ritual hours; respectful attire and quiet conduct required; guided visits available
The Ritual: If visiting on a Thursday evening, you may witness the Zikr (spiritual ritual).
Architecture: Intricate woodwork and calligraphy inside the samahane (ritual hall).
Etiquette: Dress respectfully.
Directions: Central part of the Bazaar, near the Hadum Mosque.
Getting There: Located near the Old Bazaar in central Gjakova. Easily reachable by foot or taxi from the city center
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–17:00; closed Sundays and during private ceremonies.
Terrain: Flat, paved courtyard.
Wheelchair: Courtyard accessible.
Location: Gjakova Old Bazaar (Çarshia e Madhe).
Last update
Jan 9, 2026
The Story
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.
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