Albania plans to soon create a sovereign Muslim microstate, Medialord.ng has learnt. Prime Minister Edi Rama, who announced it on Sept 23, 2024 said it will be led by a Sufi sect that promotes “religious harmony and dialogue.”
This new sovereign microstate will be located in Tirana, the capital city. It will serve as the political home for Bektashi Muslims, the fourth largest religious community in Albania, following Sunni Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics.
The Bektashi Order originated in the 13th century within the Ottoman Empire. Known for its tolerance, it embraces other religions. Many leaders relocated to Albania after facing bans in Turkey in the early 20th century.
Rama said the goal is to transform the Bektashi World Centre into a sovereign Muslim microstate. He described it as a new center for moderation and peaceful coexistence. According to the 2023 census, Bektashi Muslims make up about 10 percent of Albania’s Muslim population.
The Bektashi Order praised this decision, believing it strengthens values of inclusion and dialogue in a divided world, says AFP. Citizenship in the new sovereign Muslim microstate will be limited to clergy and state administrators. The government will be led by the Bektashi leader, with a council overseeing its functions.
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