Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order

Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order
Shteti Sovran i Urdhrit Bektashi (Albanian)
StatusProposed
CapitalSovereign State of the Bektashi Order
(city-state)
41°19′53″N 19°51′0″E / 41.33139°N 19.85000°E / 41.33139; 19.85000
Official languagesAlbanian
Religion
Bektashism (state religion)
Demonym(s)Bektashi
Government
• Dedebaba
Baba Mondi
Area
• Total
0.11 km2 (0.042 sq mi)
Today part ofAlbania

The Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order (Albanian: Shteti Sovran i Urdhrit Bektashi; pronounced [ʃtɛti sɔvɾan i uɾðɾit bɛktaʃi]) is a proposed European microstate and city-state that would be enclaved entirely within Tirana, the capital of Albania, at the current World Headquarters of the Bektashi. If established, it would be smaller than the Vatican City and become the sovereign state with the smallest land area in the world, with a total land area of 27 acres (11 ha).[1]

Plans for the creation of the state have been discussed by Albanian prime minister Edi Rama and supported by the leader of the Bektashi Order, Baba Mondi, with the former stating that more details for the creation of the state will be revealed in the near future.[2] Following the Vatican model, the prospective state would grant citizenship solely to Bektashi clerics and government officials.[3] Drafting of legislation to create the new state within Albania began in September 2024. The legislation would need approval from the Albanian Parliament[1] via an amendment to the Constitution of Albania.[4]

  1. ^ a b Higgens, Andrew (21 September 2024). "Albania Is Planning a New Muslim State Inside Its Capital". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  2. ^ "'A Vatican inside Tirana'/ Rama, for 'New York Times': It will be called the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order". CNA. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Exclusive Interview with the Head Father of the Bektashi Order: A New Sovereign State for Peace and Tolerance (English version)". Shqiptarja.com. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  4. ^ Elezi, Elona (26 September 2024). "Albania to set up Sufi Muslim Bektashi microstate". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.