Is Albania Establishing A New Bektashi State Similar to Vatican?

Albanian President Bajram Begaj recently announced a plan regarding to Bektashi community in Tirana. Albania is going to establish a Bektashi State within the capital city, which will serve as a center for moderation, tolerance, and peaceful living just like Vatican state in Europe. This state has approximately 27 acre land. The spiritual leader of Bektashi Baba Mondi will lead this plan. It is like Vatican city where religious leaders has independence and the system will run on spiritual rules. This plan is in initial stages now and it has to approve from Albanian Parliament and some changes in Albanian constitution.

The Bektashi Firqa is a Sufi Islamic firqa that has roots in Anatolia, Turkey. It emerged in the 13th century. It is named after its founder, Haji Bektash Veli, a mystic, philosopher, and saint, he spread his teachings and his teachings were inclined by both Islamic and pre-Islamic beliefs. It has elements of Shi’a Islam. It also has pre-Islamic Turkish shamanistic traditions. The firqa is different for blending elements of Sunni and Shi’a Islam, alongside its unique spiritual practices.

The Bektashi firqa grow into during the Ottoman Empire, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries. It gained popularity because of its close ties with the elite Janissary force, the Ottoman Sultan’s elite armed unit. The Bektashi spiritual teachings helped Ottomans to shape the identity of the Janissaries. In return Ottomans provided political and military support to their firqa.

The Bektashi firqa had great presence in Albania, where it developed deeply and served as an important spiritual and cultural force. They gained prominence after the termination of the Ottoman Empire. The firqa’s influence prolonged to other regions in the Balkans, including Greece and North Macedonia, and among Turkish communities.

The Bektashi Firqa has a unique syncretic belief system that incorporates elements from both Islam and pre-Islamic Turkish beliefs. The firqa is generally observed as being closer to Shi’a Islam, particularly to the Twelve Imam sect, due to its reverence of Ali (R.A), the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the twelve imams. However, the Bektashis are often considered heterodox by conventional Sunni and Shi’a Islamic scholars because their practices deviate from conventional Islamic traditions.

According to Bektashis, Ali (R.A) considered as the legal successor to the Prophet (PBHU). This belief aligns them more closely with Shi’a traditions, particularly Twelve Shi’ism, which also holds Ali R.A in such regard. However, the Bektashis take a more mystical and spiritual approach, viewing Ali (R.A) not only as a political leader but also as a profound spiritual guide.

Another important aspect of the Bektashi firqa is its focus on esoteric practices, which means that they prioritize inner knowledge and spiritual understanding over literal interpretations of religion. It aligns with the tradition of Sufism, which often emphasizes the inner meanings of scriptures rather than their outward meanings. Bektashis believe that spiritual insight comes through thoughtful truths, which are accessible only to those who endure personal spiritual alteration and growth.

Symbolism plays an important role in Bektashi rituals and worship. Their spiritual practices are often full with symbols that reflect inspirations from ancient Turkish shamanistic traditions and Persian religious beliefs. These symbols are used to convey deep spiritual meanings. These symbols acts as tools to help practitioners move beyond the material world and access higher spiritual truths. The Bektashis create a rich tapestry of ritual through these symbolic acts, that helps them connect with the divine in ways that are deeply personal and transformative.

The Bektashi firqa faced an important challenge during the 19th century when the Ottoman Empire dissolved the Janissary corps in 1826. It was banned again in Turkey after the establishment of the secular Turkish Republic in 1925. Many Bektashis then relocated their headquarters to Albania, where they flourished in spite of periods of oppression, particularly under communist commands. The Bektashi Firqa saw a revival in the Balkans by following the fall of communism.

Today, the Bektashi firqa continues to be influential in parts of Turkey, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. In Albania, where it is officially recognized as a religion, the firqa enjoys significant cultural and religious influence. The Bektashis continue to promote their comprehensive, tolerant approach to spirituality, and their teachings attract those interested in Sufism and mysticism. The Bektashi Firqa represents a blend of religious and cultural elements. They highlights the rich tapestry of Islamic thought and Sufi mysticism that has evolved in different historical and cultural contexts.