A new state might be coming to Europe, and it has a medieval connection. The Albanian government is planning to allow a religious order dating back to the 13th century to have its own microstate.
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed that the headquarters of the Bektashi Order, located within the city of Tirana, become its own state, similar to Vatican City. To be known as the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, it would occupy about 27 acres of land, have its own administration, and issue passports.
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The Bektashi Order dates back to the 13th century, founded by followers of Haji Bektash Veli (1209-71). It is a Sufi mystical order with some tenets based on Shia Islam. It gained popularity in the Later Middle Ages throughout the Ottoman Empire, particularly among the Janissaries. However, the Bektashi Order was banned throughout the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century and then suppressed by Turkey in 1925 as part of its efforts at secularization. Since then, the Bektashi leadership has been based in Albania. It is estimated that the number of followers of Bektashism could be as high as 20 million, spread around the Balkans and the Middle East.
Edmond Brahimaj, who is the Baba Mondi or head of the Bektashi Order, comments in an interview that, “For our followers, this isn’t about political power or land acquisition; it’s about solidifying the Bektashi Order’s mission of spiritual moderation and protecting our religious practices. Albania has historically been a beacon of religious coexistence, and this step is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of the Albanian government under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who recognized the importance of granting us the space to continue promoting peace. For our community worldwide, it is a moment of pride and renewal, strengthening our identity and presence on the global stage.”
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Top Image: Bektashi World Headquaters in Albania – Photo by Marmontel / Wikimedia Commons
A new state might be coming to Europe, and it has a medieval connection. The Albanian government is planning to allow a religious order dating back to the 13th century to have its own microstate.
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed that the headquarters of the Bektashi Order, located within the city of Tirana, become its own state, similar to Vatican City. To be known as the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, it would occupy about 27 acres of land, have its own administration, and issue passports.
The Bektashi Order dates back to the 13th century, founded by followers of Haji Bektash Veli (1209-71). It is a Sufi mystical order with some tenets based on Shia Islam. It gained popularity in the Later Middle Ages throughout the Ottoman Empire, particularly among the Janissaries. However, the Bektashi Order was banned throughout the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century and then suppressed by Turkey in 1925 as part of its efforts at secularization. Since then, the Bektashi leadership has been based in Albania. It is estimated that the number of followers of Bektashism could be as high as 20 million, spread around the Balkans and the Middle East.
Edmond Brahimaj, who is the Baba Mondi or head of the Bektashi Order, comments in an interview that, “For our followers, this isn’t about political power or land acquisition; it’s about solidifying the Bektashi Order’s mission of spiritual moderation and protecting our religious practices. Albania has historically been a beacon of religious coexistence, and this step is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of the Albanian government under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who recognized the importance of granting us the space to continue promoting peace. For our community worldwide, it is a moment of pride and renewal, strengthening our identity and presence on the global stage.”
Top Image: Bektashi World Headquaters in Albania – Photo by Marmontel / Wikimedia Commons
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