Albania to establish ‘Bektashi sovereign state’ like Vatican in capital Tirana

Albania is making headlines with a bold initiative as Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans to establish a “Bektashi Sovereign State” in the capital, Tirana.

According to a report in The New York Times, Rama aims to create a “Vatican-style” enclave for the Bektashi community to promote religious tolerance.

Rama emphasized that the purpose of this new state is to uphold Albania’s proud tradition of a tolerant form of Islam.

“We must protect this treasure of religious tolerance and never take it for granted,” he stated.

The proposed state will not maintain its own army, border guards, or court system, and its passports will be green. However, details regarding eligibility for the passports are still under discussion, according to Rama.

The Albanian Prime Minister’s Press Office has confirmed the announcement.