**Konakët e Dervishëve (Dervish Lodges): Embracing Spirituality in the 19th Century**
**Overview:**
Situated on the southern side of the Teqeja e Helvetive, the dervish lodges served as spaces for religious ceremonies within the teqe. The remaining structure, dating back to the 19th century, unfolds along the east-west axis. The ground floor, referred to as kati për-dhe (lower floor), houses open basement areas primarily designated for animals. On the upper floor, rooms constructed with stone walls and wooden roofs provide dwelling spaces. Throughout their length, the lodges feature a çardak (veranda) supported by wooden columns, devoid of a ceiling.
**Architecture:**
– **Spatial Arrangement:** The lodges, extending longitudinally, showcase a clear spatial division between the lower floor reserved for animals and the upper floor comprising rooms with stone walls and wooden roofs.
– **Çardak:** A distinctive feature is the continuous çardak, an open veranda with wooden columns and no ceiling, stretching across the entire length of the lodges.
**Historical Context:**
– **Construction Era:** The complex of dervish lodges is believed to have been constructed during the 19th century, aligning with the broader architectural developments of the time.
– **Spiritual Purpose:** These lodges were integral to the religious activities and ceremonies conducted within the Teqeja e Helvetive.
**Architectural Elements:**
– **Ground Floor (Kati Për-Dhe):** Reserved for animals, the open basement areas served practical purposes.
– **Upper Floor:** Stone-walled rooms with wooden roofs formed the living spaces for the dervishes.
– **Çardak with Wooden Columns:** The continuous veranda, featuring wooden columns, adds to the architectural charm of the lodges.
The dervish lodges, with their architectural nuances and historical significance, stand as tangible remnants of Berat’s cultural and spiritual heritage from the 19th century.
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