Could a tiny, 27-acre microstate in Albania become the world's smallest sovereign nation?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Bektashi order, a mystic Sufi movement with roots in 13th-century Anatolia, is considering an unprecedented move: establishing a sovereign microstate in Tirana. Modeled after the Vatican, this proposed enclave aims to provide a platform for moderate Islamic discourse, potentially reshaping the order's global influence on interfaith matters.

Founded by Haji Bektash Veli, the Bektashi order evolved into a distinct mystical tradition that integrates Sufi practices with Shiʿah beliefs. While its origins trace back to the 13th century, the order gained definitive structure in the 16th century under Balım Sultan, the pīr-e ṯānī. This period saw the codification of a hierarchy ranging from the laity and dervishes to the supreme leader, the dedebaba. The order is known for its relatively informal approach to daily Muslim laws, often incorporating ritual dancing, the sharing of bread, and, in some contexts, the consumption of alcohol.

Historically, the Bektashis held significant political power through their close association with the Janissaries, the elite Ottoman military corps. This influence collapsed in 1826 when the Janissaries were disbanded, leading to the suppression of the order. Following the secularization efforts of Kemal Atatürk in 1925, which banned all Sufi orders in Turkey, the Bektashi leadership relocated to Tirana, Albania, in 1931. Despite enduring further persecution under Albania's communist regime, which banned religious practice in 1967, the order survived in secret and saw a revival after 1990.

Today, the Bektashi community remains a small but integral part of Albanian cultural life, representing approximately 5 percent of the population. In September 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans to create a Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order. Spanning just 27 acres, this proposed microstate would be led by the current world leader, Baba Mondi. Proponents argue that this sovereign status would grant the order an influential, independent voice on the world stage, allowing it to promote its moderate, syncretic vision of Islam amidst broader geopolitical and interfaith challenges.

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