Kosovo's dervishes cook in Belgrade

The region's media suggest that the crowd came from Gjakova, dressed in traditional wardrobes, while prayer has begun with characteristic rhythmic movements that distinguish from other members of Muslim faith.

Dervises say they are gathered to pay tribute to a dead superior whose soul, as they believe, is even more alive after many decades.

That soul, which is left here, among all the others who have gone and disappeared, means to us symbolically. And so we wish to visit, write, and do some good deeds to forgive his soul”, said Muhammad Nasir of the Islamic Community, in the belief that the living, when they do any good, can donate his soul.

The dervishes, which the police have guarded, have said will come again, “depends on your host”.