One country that is almost certain to oppose the Bektashi state is Iran, which views itself as the protector of Shiite Islam and has little tolerance for sects like the Bektashi, whom it considers heretical.
In a move that has garnered both intrigue and controversy, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has unveiled an unprecedented plan to create the world’s smallest sovereign state for the Bektashi order, a Sufi Islamic sect known for its liberal interpretation of Islam. This new microstate, to be modelled after Vatican City, will be a 27-acre enclave within Albania’s capital, Tirana.
Rama’s plan is ambitious: to offer the Bektashi a sanctuary to continue their unique spiritual practices while promoting religious tolerance and coexistence in a world that increasingly associates Islam with extremism.
The idea, though welcomed by many within the Bektashi order, has sparked a wide range of reactions. Some see it as a laudable attempt to preserve religious diversity, while others raise concerns about the implications for national sovereignty, regional politics, and the future of interfaith relations in Albania. With plans still being finalised and the path to actualisation long and uncertain, the proposed Bektashi state has already sparked important discussions on religious freedom, the nature of statehood, and the complex relationship between politics and faith.
The Vision of a Sufi Vatican
Albania’s proposal to create a Bektashi microstate came as a surprise to many, not least because it represents a bold departure from modern norms of religious autonomy within a secular state. The Bektashi order, a Shiite Sufi sect, traces its origins back to the 13th century in Turkey and has been headquartered in Albania since 1935. Their practices are liberal by Islamic standards: alcohol is permitted, women are free to dress as they please, and the sect rejects rigid dogma. Despite their progressive approach, the Bektashi have often faced persecution from both Sunni and Shiite groups. Today, their followers are scattered across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the global diaspora.
The proposed Bektashi state would not be the first religious enclave of its kind. Vatican City, which serves as the global centre for Catholicism, is an obvious parallel, but other examples exist too, such as Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic state in Greece. What sets the Bektashi proposal apart is its explicit mission to promote a tolerant form of Islam, one that stands in contrast to the more rigid and sometimes violent forms of the faith that have attracted negative global attention.
Prime Minister Rama’s vision for the microstate is simple yet audacious. “We should take care of this treasure which is religious tolerance and which we should never take for granted,” he has said. The new state would promote moderate Islamic values and stand as a beacon of interfaith harmony in a world divided by religious conflicts. “Do not let the stigma of Muslims define who Muslims are,” Rama added, noting that Albania, which prides itself on its religious diversity, has long been an example of peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians.
Who Are the Bektashi?
Understanding the Bektashi and their significance is key to grasping why this proposed microstate matters. The Bektashi order was founded in the 13th century by Haji Bektash Veli, a Sufi mystic whose teachings combined elements of both Sunni and Shia Islam with pre-Islamic spiritual practices from Central Asia. The Bektashi’s focus on spiritual mysticism, their relaxed approach to Islamic law, and their reverence for Ali (the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad) have made them outliers in the Muslim world. While they remain rooted in Islamic tradition, their liberal practices have often put them at odds with mainstream Sunni and Shia communities.
Throughout history, the Bektashi have played important roles in various societies. Their close ties with the Janissaries, the elite military corps of the Ottoman Empire, gave them political influence for centuries. However, this connection also led to their suppression when the Janissaries were disbanded in 1826. In Albania, the Bektashi order became a significant force during the country’s nationalist movement against Ottoman rule, helping to foster unity between Albania’s Muslim and Christian populations.
After World War I, the Bektashi headquarters moved to Albania following the Turkish Republic’s ban on all Sufi orders. In Albania, they found relative peace until the rise of communism in 1945. Under the brutal regime of Enver Hoxha, all religious practices were outlawed, and many Bektashi properties, including their sprawling complex in Tirana, were confiscated or destroyed. Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, the Bektashi have struggled to reclaim their land and rebuild their religious community.
A State with No Precedent
While the Vatican City comparison may be the most obvious, Albania’s proposed Bektashi microstate is a unique case. The enclave would cover just five city blocks in eastern Tirana and would consist primarily of the current Bektashi World Centre. The complex includes a domed prayer hall, a museum, a clinic, an archive, and administrative offices. Baba Mondi, the current leader of the Bektashi order, would serve as the head of state, though he insists that his rule would be benevolent and guided by love and compassion.
“I don’t need to be a dictator,” said Baba Mondi in an interview, adding that his only higher authority would be God. While the enclave would have its administration, passports, and borders, it would not maintain an army or border guards, relying instead on the goodwill of Albania and the international community to preserve its sovereignty. The enclave’s primary function would be to serve as a spiritual and administrative centre for Bektashi followers, offering a place where they could freely practice their faith without fear of persecution.
Despite its modest size and peaceful intentions, the proposed microstate has already encountered resistance. Many Sunni Muslims in Albania view the plan as unnecessary, arguing that Albania’s tradition of religious tolerance already provides the Bektashi with enough freedom. Others worry that the creation of a sovereign Bektashi state could upset Albania’s delicate religious balance and lead to tensions between different faith groups.
A Model for Religious Tolerance?
One of the most compelling arguments in favour of the Bektashi state is that it could serve as a model for religious tolerance in a region—and a world—where religious conflicts are often the source of division and violence. Albania, a country of roughly three million people, is home to a variety of religious communities, including Sunni Muslims, Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Bektashi Sufis. The country has a long history of religious pluralism, and its people are proud of their ability to coexist peacefully despite their differences.
The establishment of a Bektashi state, proponents argue, would reinforce this tradition of tolerance and send a powerful message to the rest of the world. By granting the Bektashi their own autonomous territory, Albania would be acknowledging the importance of religious diversity and demonstrating that different faiths can live side by side in harmony. Prime Minister Rama has expressed hope that the Bektashi state would serve as an example to other countries with Muslim populations, showing that Islam can be practised in a way that is both true to its principles and open to modern, liberal values.
Critics, however, remain sceptical. Some worry that the creation of a separate ‘Islamic state’ within Albania could lead to demands for similar autonomy from other religious groups. Others fear that the Bektashi enclave could become a target for extremist groups who reject the sect’s liberal interpretation of Islam. There are also concerns about the economic viability of such a small state and whether it could function independently without relying heavily on Albania for resources and security.
A Long Road Ahead
Even if Albania’s Parliament approves the creation of the Bektashi state, the enclave’s future remains uncertain. One of the biggest challenges will be gaining international recognition. Without the backing of other nations, the Bektashi state may struggle to assert itself as a legitimate sovereign entity. While Vatican City enjoys widespread recognition as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, the Bektashi do not have the same global influence, and their claim to statehood is likely to be met with scepticism by many countries.
One country that is almost certain to oppose the Bektashi state is Iran, which views itself as the protector of Shiite Islam and has little tolerance for sects like the Bektashi, whom it considers heretical. Iran has a history of suppressing Sufi groups, and it is unlikely to welcome the creation of a sovereign Bektashi enclave. The relationship between Albania and Iran has already been strained in recent years, with Albania cutting diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2022 after accusing Iranian hackers of launching cyberattacks against Albanian government networks.
Without international recognition, the Bektashi state could find itself in a precarious position, dependent on Albania’s goodwill for its survival. Baba Mondi, however, remains optimistic. “We deserve a state,” he said, “We are the only ones in the world who tell the truth about Islam” and “don’t mix it up with politics.” He expressed hope that the United States and other Western countries would eventually recognise the Bektashi state and support its mission to promote a moderate, tolerant version of Islam.
A New Chapter for Religious Autonomy?
If the Bektashi state does come to fruition, it could have significant implications not only for Albania but for the global Muslim community. At a time when Islam is often portrayed as monolithic and linked to extremism, the Bektashi offer a refreshing alternative. Their liberal, mystical approach to the faith emphasises personal spirituality over rigid adherence to doctrine, and their emphasis on tolerance and coexistence stands in stark contrast to the violent ideologies promoted by groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
The Bektashi state could also open up new conversations about religious autonomy in the modern world. While Vatican City has long been accepted as a sovereign religious enclave, similar experiments have been rare, especially in the Islamic world. The success or failure of the Bektashi state could serve as a litmus test for whether such enclaves can thrive in the 21st century, offering a space for religious minorities to practice their faith without interference from the state or extremist groups.
A Bold Gamble
Albania’s proposal to create a sovereign state for the Bektashi order is both bold and unprecedented. It offers the potential to promote religious tolerance and provide a haven for a sect that has long been persecuted. However, the plan is fraught with challenges, from internal opposition to the question of international recognition. Whether or not the Bektashi state becomes a reality, the very idea has already sparked important discussions about the future of religion, statehood, and coexistence in a world where faith is often a source of division rather than unity.
As Albania navigates this uncharted territory, the Bektashi state will continue to capture the world’s attention. It serves as a powerful reminder that in a world of growing polarisation, there are still those who believe in the possibility of peaceful coexistence and that sometimes the boldest ideas come from the smallest places.
