Albania to establish "sovereign state" for Bektashi order

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans on September 21 to create a "Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order" in Tirana, aimed at promoting a version of Islam that embodies tolerance and reflects Albania's cultural values.

Rama envisions a "Vatican-style" enclave for the Bektashi, a Sufi mystic order, as detailed in an interview with US media, Caliber.Az reports citing Anadolu Agency.

He emphasized the importance of preserving Albania's legacy of religious coexistence, stating, "We must take care of this treasure, which is religious tolerance and which we must never take for granted."

The proposed state would be approximately a quarter the size of Vatican City and would not possess traditional sovereign features such as an army, border guards, or courts. Rama indicated that further announcements would follow, although the implementation will take time.

He noted that only a few close aides are aware of the plan, and NATO allies, including the U.S., have not yet been informed. According to the latest census, Bektashis make up 115,000 of Albania's 2.4 million residents.