Muslim Vatican: Albania plans unique sovereign state for Sufi Bektashis

TIRANA: The government in Albania unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a distinct sovereign state for the Bektashi Sufi order, akin to the Vatican.

The proposed religious sovereign state is planned on a designated area of approximately 10 hectares in Tirana, the capital of Albania.

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the proposal during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Albanian PM talked about the goal of transforming the Bektashi World Centre into a “beacon of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence”.

The Bektashi community constitutes around 10 per cent of Albania’s demographics, ranking as the fourth-largest religious group in the country.

Other religious groups in the small European country consist of Sunni Muslims, Orthodox Christian and Catholics.

With a population of 2.4 million, Albania is recognised for its centuries-old traditions and religious harmony, with nearly half of its citizens identifying as Muslims.

Originating in the 13^th century within the Ottoman Empire, the Bektashi order has a focus on inclusive and mystical interpretation of the religion. Following the order’s prohibition in Turkey during the early 20^th century, many of its leaders found refuge in Albania.

Here, one of the order’s leader played an important role in declaring the country’s independence in 1912, ending centuries of Ottoman rule.

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Following the news, the Bektashi community expressed excitement regarding the government’s proposal. They said that the formation of a sovereign state will help spread the values of inclusity, religious unity, and dialogue in an increasingly polarized world.

Citizenship in the new political security will be excessively available to the clergy members and administrative personnel, with governance led by the order’s chief and a council overseeing both religious and administrative matters.

The proposed micro-state will share the same grounds as the existing Bektashi World Centre, covering an area roughly a quarter the size of Vatican City.

Its primary function will be to provide spiritual leadership, allowing practices such as alcohol consumption and free expression without imposing any lifestyle restitutions, in line with the Bektashi Order’s principles of tolerance.

The Albanian PM talked about Albania’s historical dedication to the humanitarian causes, recalling the nation’s efforts to protect Jewish refugees during the Second World War, and provide shelter to Afghan refugees after the Taliban’s return to power.

He noted that the Bektashi community exemplified a version of the religion that championed peace and coexistence.

The current spiritual leader of the Bektashi order is set to head the new sovereign state. He expressed optimism for recognition from the international community, particularly the Western world.

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He said that the Bektashi community deserved its own state and that would symbolise the ideals of peace, love and mutual respect.

A specialised team is currently drafting legislation to establish the new state’s sovereign status within Albania.