Vatican-like 'Bektashi state' to be established in Albania

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Albania is preparing to establish an independent microstate in Tirana to be built upon the Bektashi order. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the state to be established will represent a 'tolerant interpretation of Islam.' The project aims to create a sovereign state structure by taking the 'Vatican model' as an example. The Bektashi state, which will be established on an area of 109 acres, will be based on 'religious freedoms' and 'tolerance.'

Rama stated that the newly established state will be built upon the beliefs and teachings of the Bektashi order. With the realization of the plan, this microstate will be governed with a model similar to the Vatican and will be the 'smallest state in the world.'

Speaking to the American newspaper New York Times (NYT), Rama said that the state to be established aims to 'promote a tolerant version of Islam that Albania is proud of.'

While it is stated that the plans will be announced next year, it is expressed that Albania wants to emphasize religious diversity in the region with this project.

On the other hand, it was commented in the NYT that Iran might oppose the project for sectarian reasons. Edi Rama stated that he does not care about the reactions that may come from Iran. Diplomatic relations with Iran were severed following cyberattacks on Albania in 2022. It seems likely that relations with Iran will deteriorate further with the Bektashi state project.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama

LEGISLATION BEING PREPARED FOR THE 'VATICAN MODEL'

The state, which will be established on a 109-acre plot of land in the capital Tirana, will have its own administration and passport like the Vatican. A team of legal experts is preparing the draft law that defines the sovereignty of the new state.

The bill must be approved by the parliament, which is controlled by Rama's Socialist Party. However, it is not yet clear which countries will recognize this microstate.

Albania is one of the countries where the Bektashi faith is strongest and most widespread in the world

WHAT WILL THE STRUCTURE OF THE 'BEKTASHI STATE' BE LIKE?

The leadership of the new state will be assumed by the Bektashi leader Edmond Brahimaj, known as 'Baba Mondi.' Baba Mondi stated that the state will be governed by a system based on the foundations of tolerance.

Unlike traditional Islamic rules, the Bektashi state will not implement a ban on alcohol, and there will be no interference with women's style of dress. Furthermore, there will be no restrictions on lifestyle.

A small intelligence unit will be established for the Bektashi state, but there will be no army, border guards, or courts.

As for the passport color, 'green,' which is identified with Islam, will be preferred. Baba Mondi emphasized the Bektashi order's need for this state by saying, 'We deserve a state. We are the ones who tell the truth about Islam.'

Bektashi leader Edmond Brahimaj

WHAT IS BEKTASHISM?

Bektashism, as a mystical interpretation of Islam, believes in the existence of Allah, that the Quran is a true book, and that Prophet Muhammad is the final prophet. It accepts Ali ibn Abi Talib as the first link of the saints.

Bektashism spread in Anatolia in the 13th century with the teachings of Haji Bektash Veli and holds an important place in Albania today.

Albania's Bektashi state project continues to attract attention worldwide. Whether the project will be successful depends on how it is received by the international community.

Bektashi leaders interpreted the decision to establish a state as receiving their 'rights'