Albania seeks to create a Sufi state modeled after the Vatican
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has unveiled plans to create the world's smallest state, a 0.1 square kilometer enclave in Tirana, dedicated to the Bektashi Sufi brotherhood and modeled after the Vatican. The proposed "Islamic Vatican" aims to promote religious tolerance and liberal values, but the project's future remains uncertain as it awaits approval from Albania's parliament and potential international recognition.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans to create a Muslim state in Tirana modeled after the Vatican. According to reports by the "New York Times," the "Islamic Vatican" aims to promote religious tolerance and be based on the Bektashi brotherhood, a Sufi community with a rich tradition.
Rama stated that the state would be dedicated to the Bektashis, representatives of a Sufi brotherhood that originated from Anatolia in Turkey. This brotherhood moved its headquarters to Albania at the beginning of the 20th century after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, banned its activities.
Prime Minister Rama plans to create an independent State of the Bektashiyya Brotherhood in Tirana. If established, it would be the smallest state in the world—its area would be just 0.1 square kilometers, one-fourth the size of the Vatican.
"Islamic Vatican" and liberal daily life principles
The "New York Times " states that the enclave will be liberal daily. Drinking alcohol will be allowed, and women will not be required to adhere to a specific dress code. The state does not plan to impose strict rules, reflecting the Bektashi philosophy, as reminded by the brotherhood leader, 65-year-old cleric Edmond Brahimaj, Baba Mondi.
God does not forbid anything; that is why he gave us minds, said Brahimaj.
This cleric is to lead the new state, which will have its own administration, borders, and green-coloured passports symbolizing Islam.
Although Baba Mondi expressed the need to create small intelligence services due to the "state having enemies," no plans exist to establish an army, border guard, or courts. The enclave will include a prayer and meeting hall, a museum presenting the brotherhood’s history, a clinic, archives, and administrative offices.
Uncertain future of the "Islamic Vatican"
A group of lawyers is analyzing the entire project and drafting laws determining the sovereignty of this unusual political entity. However, final decisions in this matter will rest with the Albanian parliament, which is under the control of the ruling Socialist Party of Albania.
Despite advanced work on the plan, Prime Minister Rama noted that the project remains in its preliminary phase and no formal consultations with NATO members, to which Albania belongs, have yet taken place. It is also unclear whether other countries will recognize the independence of this small state.
This bold plan by the Albanian Prime Minister, a non-practicing Catholic, could stir many international and domestic controversies. Nevertheless, its realization could bring significant changes in the context of religious tolerance and diversity in the region.
