Tomorrica information

Tomorrica (Albanian pronunciation: [͈tomorˈritsa]) is a traditional or ethnographic region in Central Albania, located near the border between Berat County and Elbasan County. It takes its name from Mount Tomorr.

The modern region consists of 31 villages, and it is divided by the Tomorrica river.^[1] The town of Gramsh is held to be part of the history of the region, but many may consider it to not be part of the region itself. The region is also known for its peculiar winds, known as stoçen locally, in which the clouds come close to the ground and "lie like a carpet".^[1]

The population is primarily Albanian and traditionally belonged to the Bektashi faith during Ottoman times,^[2] having been Orthodox Christian during the Middle Ages previously, although nowadays there are many irreligious people just as many other parts of Albania. It has also been affected more recently by heavy emigration, leaving entire villages deserted in the modern day.^[3] Despite its currently declining state as well as its small population and rough terrain, Tomorrica is said to have contributed greatly to Albanian history. Hence, it has been called "wretched with great people".^[1]

In the summer, there is a festival where locals ascend to the top of Mount Tomorr, where a Bektashi tekke is located. Although it is officially a Bektashi festival, non-Bektashis such as Christians and Sunnis also can and do take part.