In the heart of Europe, precisely in the Balkans, it is about to the creation of a new Islamic-tinged microstate is taking shape. This is not science fiction, but a bold project carried out by theAlbania, which has always been a symbol of religious tolerance. The country is considering the establishment of a sovereign Muslim microstate, similar in concept to the Vatican State, which will be called “Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order”The idea was announced by the Prime Minister Edi Rama, which aims to promote a moderate and tolerant version of Islam, represented by Sufi brotherhood of the Bektashi. This community, known for its mystical approach and interreligious dialogue, would thus manage an autonomous state located in the outskirts of Tirana, the Albanian capital. With this initiative, Rama aims to create a place where Islam can express its most inclusive values, offering an example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different faiths.
Albania: An Enclave for Tolerant Islam
The plan includes the creation of a microstate of just 10 hectares, located in the suburbs of Tirana, which will become the Smallest state in the world, just big a quarter of Vatican City. This territory, sovereign and completely autonomous, will become the political headquarters of the Bektashi, the fourth largest religious community in Albania, after Sunni Muslims, Orthodox and Catholics. The new state will have a own administration, passports and well-defined borders, following the inclusive and liberal practices of the Sufi order.
Unlike the more rigid models of some Islamic states, this microstate will reflect the Bektashi toleranceThe rules of everyday life will be far from the more conservative ones: the use of alcohol will be allowed and there will be no restrictions on women’s clothing. Rama stressed that the main objective of the project is preserve the rich tradition of religious harmony that distinguishes Albania: “We must take care of this treasure, religious tolerance, and never take it for granted.”
In the area where the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order will be built, there is already a mosque with a prayer hall, a museum dedicated to the history of the order, a clinic and administrative offices.
Who are the Bektashi?
The Bektashi are a Shiite Sufi Brotherhood, founded in the 13th century in the Ottoman Empire by the teachings of Contact Hacı directly. Historically, the order had an important influence in the Empire, in particular thanks to its connection with the janissaries. But, after the abolition of this military body in 1826, the Bektashi were marginalized and subsequently banned from Türkiye by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In 1925, the brotherhood settled in Tirana, Albania, where it faced further persecution during the communist regime.
Today the order is present in the Balkans, Turkey and the United States, maintaining an active community in countries such as Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bulgaria and Greece. The Bektashi are known for the their mystical approach to Islam, which integrates elements of the Quran with pre-Islamic Turkish influences, and for their openness to interreligious dialogue. Unlike Orthodox Muslims, they are not bound to strictly follow the ShariaThey venerate figures such as Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and the Twelve Imams, practice only two prayers a day and allow the consumption of alcohol and the participation of women in religious ceremonies.
Although in many Muslim-majority countries the Bektashi are considered heretics because of their syncretism and reformism, in Albania they enjoy great respect for their contribution to the nationalist awakening against Turkish rule and for their influence in the cultural revival of the country so much so that the government recognizes the order and supports it economically.
Baba Mondi: The Spiritual Leader of the New State
Edmond Brahimaj, known to his followers as His Holiness Baba Mondi, is the ‘current spiritual leader of the Bektashi order and will also lead the new microstate. A former officer in the Albanian army, Baba Mondi is a charismatic figure who has dedicated his life to promoting moderate Islam and fighting religious extremism. Known for his open and liberal positions, he has stated that in the new state “God does not forbid anything; that is why he gave us brains.”
Baba Mondi has several times Terrorism and Islamic extremism condemned. After the Charlie Hebdo attack, he participated with Rama in a march against terrorism in Paris. His approach to religion, based on the principles of love, peace and respect, found a wide echo in the moderate Islamic world.
The Bektashi leader hopes that the United States and other Western powers will recognize the sovereignty of his state. “We are the only ones in the world who tell the truth about Islam” and “do not confuse it with politics,” he declared to New York Times. Baba Mondi also reassured that he will not be a dictator and that his only bond will be God. “I don’t even need infallibility. Only God makes no mistakes.”
A message of peace and tolerance
The idea of establishing a moderate Muslim microstate in the heart of Europe appears to be ainitiative that goes far beyond Albania’s internal policies. Rama sees in this project an opportunity to send a global message: Islam should not be associated with extremism but can instead represent a force for peace, coexistence and dialogue. “Do not let the stigma of Muslims define who Muslims are,” the Albanian prime minister said.
The creation of a sovereign state dedicated to a moderate Islam constitutes a powerful message in an era characterized by growing interreligious tensions. If this initiative succeeds, Albania could emerge as a global symbol of tolerance and harmony between different faiths.
The challenges associated with the birth of the Microstate
Like any project of this magnitude, the creation of a Muslim microstate in Albania entails a number of legal and political challenges. A team of experts is working on legislation which will define the sovereign status of the new state, which will have to obtain the approval of the Albanian Parliament, dominated by Rama’s Socialist Party.
It will then be interesting to see which countries, if there will be any, will recognize the sovereignty of the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order. So far, only the prime minister’s closest aides have been informed of the plan, and allied countries such as the United States have not yet been consulted. Who knows, however, what the Italian government’s opinion will be regarding the birth of the new microstate, especially after recently forging stronger ties with the Balkan country.
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Publish date : 2024-09-24 04:18:00
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