Albania proposes a Vatican-style microstate to champion a liberal, tolerant form of Islam

Cultures · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In a bold move to project religious soft power, Albania has proposed creating the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order within its capital, Tirana. This tiny, 27-acre enclave would be the world's smallest sovereign state, designed to promote a moderate, inclusive interpretation of Islam that defies traditional religious conventions.

The proposed microstate, announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama in September 2024, would occupy the existing Bektashi Order headquarters in Tirana. Modeled after Vatican City, the enclave would grant citizenship exclusively to its clergy and administrators. Led by the Bektashi spiritual leader, Baba Mondi, the state aims to serve as a beacon of moderation, allowing for the consumption of alcohol and placing no sartorial mandates on women. This initiative is deeply rooted in Albania's historical legacy of religious coexistence, which the government views as a strategic asset in global diplomacy.

Bektashism, a syncretic Sufi order, has been headquartered in Albania since 1925, following the banning of Dervish orders in Turkey. The order emphasizes inner spirituality and esoteric teachings over rigid dogma. By seeking sovereign status, the Bektashi leadership hopes to protect its religious independence and amplify its voice on the international stage. Baba Mondi has argued that such recognition would provide a necessary platform to counter radical ideologies and foster interfaith dialogue, effectively positioning the order as a bridge between East and West.

The project remains subject to approval by the Albanian Parliament, which would require a two-thirds majority to amend the constitution. While the proposal has sparked debate regarding its implications for Albania’s model of religious coexistence, supporters see it as a creative solution to modern sectarian conflicts. By leveraging its unique heritage, Albania aims to present a liberal counter-narrative to global stigmas surrounding Muslims, offering a model of peace and tolerance that it hopes will resonate far beyond its borders.

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