Albanian Prime Minister Proposes 'Vatican' for Muslims in Capital Tirana

tirana - Albania's Prime Minister plans to create a mini-state for a group of Muslims, sparking criticism from other Albanian Muslims. The proposed 'sovereign state of the Bektashi order' in the capital city of Tirana aims to promote spiritual moderation and religious inclusion.

Albania's Prime Minister has proposed establishing a miniature state for a group of Muslims in the capital city of Tirana, a move that has stirred controversy among other members of the Albanian Muslim community. This proposed 'sovereign state of the Bektashi Order' is set to be housed within a neighborhood in Tirana. The Bektashi, known for their moderate beliefs within Sufism, are expected to adhere to practices that do not restrict alcohol consumption or impose specific clothing regulations.

According to the spiritual leader of the Bektashi Order, Baba Mondi, also known as Edmond Brahimaj, this initiative is a significant step towards safeguarding the longstanding tradition of spiritual moderation and religious inclusivity. Amid escalating extremism and intolerance globally, this endeavor aims to cultivate values of peace and tolerance on a worldwide scale.

However, the proposal has faced opposition, including protests from representatives of the Islamic community within Albania. A statement from the Muslim community asserts its status as the sole official representative of Islam in the country, emphasizing the foundational components of its faith, namely the Quran, prophetic tradition, and Albania's constitution.

In response to statements promoting 'modern Islam' or 'Albanian Islam', the Islamic community expresses concerns, affirming that such terms do not align with the universal principles of Islam based on the Quran, prophetic tradition, and the respect for each nation's laws and constitutions where it is practiced.

The declaration underscores the role of the Muslim community as the encompassing entity for all derivative Islamic religious orders and emphasizes its commitment to fostering an independent, secular, and multi-religious Albania. Albania has a prevailing culture of religious tolerance, valuing peaceful coexistence among various faiths, with religious extremism remaining marginal in the country.

Further objections to the Prime Minister's proposal have arisen, leading lawyer Altin Goxhaj to file a lawsuit against the Minister. Goxhaj argues that establishing a religious mini-state within Albania may jeopardize the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, potentially fueling discord and favoritism towards specific religious factions, and inciting hatred and division.