Albania plans 'Islamic Vatican' in Tirana to promote tolerance

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans to create a Muslim state in Tirana modelled after the Vatican. According to reports by the New York Times, this "Islamic Vatican" aims to promote religious tolerance and will be based on the Bektashi brotherhood, a Sufi community with a rich tradition.

Prime Minister Rama announced plans to establish a Muslim state modeled after the Vatican in the capital city of Tirana, reports the American daily "New York Times." This idea promotes religious tolerance, a significant step in the culturally and religiously diverse Balkans region.

Rama stated that the state will be dedicated to the Bektashis, representatives of a Sufi brotherhood originating from Anatolia in Turkey. This brotherhood moved its headquarters to Albania at the beginning of the 20th century after their activities were banned by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic.

Prime Minister Rama plans to create an independent State of the Bektashiyya Brotherhood in Tirana, which, if established, will be the smallest state in the world – its area will be just 0.04 square miles, which is one-fourth the size of the Vatican.

The "New York Times" states that the enclave will be liberal in daily life. 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 forbids nothing, that’s why He gave us intellect – said Brahimaj.

This cleric will lead the new state, with its administration, borders, and green-colored 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.

The entire project is currently being analyzed by a group of lawyers who are drafting laws determining the sovereignty of this unusual political entity. Final decisions in this matter will, however, 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.