Bektashism in Albania

Part of a series on
Bektashism
Historical figures
Bektashi Dedebabate
Bektashi sites
Events
Countries

The Bektashi Order (see Bektashi Order) is an Islamic Sufi order that spread to Albania through Albanian Janissaries during the period of Ottoman control in Albania. The Bektashi make up 5% of the country's population. [1][2] In regards to ethics, the Bektashi adhere to the line "Be master of your hands, your tongue, and your loins" which essentially means do not steal, do not lie or speak idly, and do not commit adultery.[3]

In Albania, the Bektashi Order has taken on a patriotic and nationalistic character, and it has played a major role in the Albanian National Awakening. Bektashi leaders have historically been prominent members in Albanian movements for self-determination and national autonomy, which has contributed to its popularity amongst the Albanians, and for most of Albania's Bektashi community, their affiliation with the order is based on cultural heritage rather than actual religious belief.[4][5]

The acceptance of Bektashism amongst the Albanians was largely facilitated by the existent Bektashi syncretism between combined pre-Islamic and Shiite elements with Christian elements. These beliefs were quickly replaced by Albanian popular traditions once Bektashism had spread to Albania, and the Bektashi tekkes were primarily situated outside of Albanian towns, which allowed the order to maintain a rural character. Bektashism is perceived as the purest expression of Albanian religiosity, conserving Albanian cultural traditions to the point where it is considered the only truly 'national religion'.[5]

  1. ^ Chtatou, Dr Mohamed (2020-04-23). "Unveiling The Bektashi Sufi Order – Analysis". Eurasia Review. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  2. ^ "Albania Infographic Profile July 2018.pdf" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 September 2018.
  3. ^ Elsie, Robert (2010). Historical Dictionary of Albania. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 44. ISBN 9780810861886.
  4. ^ : 7–8, 14 Elsie, Robert (2021). The Albanian Bektashi : the history and culture of a dervish order in the Balkans. London: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9780755636464.
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Doja was invoked but never defined (see the help page).