Albania's Edi Rama Proposes Sovereignty for Bektashi Muslims in Tirana to Foster Tolerance

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans to establish the Tirana-based Bektashi Muslims, a Sufi Islamic order, as a sovereign state. This initiative aims to promote moderation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Speaking at the United Nations, Rama highlighted Albania's history of sheltering Jewish refugees during World War II and Afghans after the Taliban's rise three years ago.

Albania is home to 2.4 million people, with roughly half identifying as Muslim. The remaining population consists of Catholic and Orthodox Christians and other smaller communities. The country is renowned for its religious harmony and coexistence. Bektashi Muslims represent about 10% of the Muslim population in Albania, according to the latest census data.

Religious Harmony and Coexistence

The Bektashi Order expressed that this move marks a new era for global religious tolerance. "Such a historic step aims at recognizing the Beltashi Order as a sovereign, self-governing state, committed to supporting its century-old culture of moderation and spiritual involvement," it stated. The order will receive sovereignty similar to that of the Vatican, allowing it to govern religious and administrative matters independently from Albania.

The Bektashi Order originated in the Ottoman Empire during the 13th century. It gained political significance in the 15th century by dominating the Janissary Corps, elite infantry units serving Ottoman sultans. After Turkey's establishment as a republic, Kemal Ataturk banned non-state religious institutions, prompting the Bektashi community to relocate its headquarters to Albania.

Historical Significance and Future Plans

The Bektashi Order's leadership will be managed by Baba Mondi and a council overseeing its religious and administrative functions. Citizenship will be granted only to top religious figures and those involved in state management. "The new state will aim at nothing but the spiritual leadership," the statement emphasized.

Rama also mentioned Mother Teresa, an Albanian who "embodied love for humanity." He quoted her saying, "She told us that not all of us can do big things, but we can all do small things with big love." This sentiment inspires Albania's support for transforming the World Bektashi Order into a sovereign state in Tirana.

It remains unclear how legal sovereignty will be granted to the order. However, this initiative is seen as a step towards enhancing global religious tolerance. The Bektashi community has been politically active in Albania since Ismail Qemali declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.