PLANS to establish a tiny country – the size of just 14 football pitches – aims to promote a version of Islam that is “tolerant” on clothing and booze.
Dubbed the “Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order”, it would become the world’s smallest if it comes to fruition.
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Albania is eyeing off a stunning transformation for the Bektashi Muslims’ community – known as the Bektashi Order – which is headquartered in the country’s capital Tirana.
It plans to turn the tiny region into its own sovereign state smaller than Vatican City and with an emphasis on tolerance.
That means allowing booze, letting everyone wear what they please and rejecting lifestyle rules in a hugely progressive move compared to some other Islam states.
The little, 10-hectare patch of land would have all the hallmarks of a separate country – its own government, passport and borders.
About half of Albanians identify as Muslim, with about 10 per cent of its citizens the Bektashi variety.
Bektashi is known as a tolerant version of Islam where drinking is permitted in moderation and men and women have more equality.
Creating Bektashi’s own state has been floated by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and has found support from the religion’s leader Baba Mondi.
The latter, who could preside over the micro-state in the same way the Pope does in the Vatican, called the move an “extraordinary initiative”.
He added: “For our followers, this isn’t about political power or land acquisition; it’s about solidifying the Bektashi Order’s mission of spiritual moderation and protecting our religious practices.
“Albania has historically been a beacon of religious coexistence, and this step is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of the Albanian government under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who recognised the importance of granting us the space to continue promoting peace.
“For our community worldwide, it is a moment of pride and renewal, strengthening our identity and presence on the global stage.”
A Bektashi Order statement said: “The Bektashi Order, which is known for its message of peace, tolerance and religious harmony, will gain Vatican-like sovereignty, allowing us to govern autonomously from a religious and administrative point of view.”
Speaking at the United Nations, Rama on Sunday said it would bolster Albania’s reputation as a tolerant nation.
He pointed out Albania saved Jewish refugees from the horrors of the Nazis in the Second World War, and more recently helped innocent Afghans escape Taliban monsters.
Rama said the country’s proud history – including giving the world Mother Teresa – served as inspiration for a special Bektashi state.
He said: “She told us that not all of us can do big things, but we can all do small things with big love.
“That is our inspiration in supporting the transformation of the World Bektashi Order into a sovereign state in our capital, Tirana, as a new centre of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
Microstates – how do they work?
Microstates are classified as sovereign states – meaning they are self-governing – despite claiming only a small amount of land or population – or both.
Think Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein and of course, Vatican City.
Despite being tiny, they have the same administrative features as the world’s biggest countries – like borders and passports.
But they do often rely on other countries for survival, given they only have a small military and a lack of their own resources.
Top ten smallest countries
Vatican City currently holds the title as the world’s smallest country, 39 millions times smaller than the world’s biggest – Russia.
The world’s other top micro countries include the opulent Monaco, small islands and other tiny European neighbours. These are the top 10:
- Vatican City – 0.17 square miles
- Monaco – 0.8 square miles
- Nauru – 8 square miles
- Tuvalu – 10 square miles
- San Marino – 24 square miles
- Liechtenstein – 62 square miles
- Marshall Islands – 70 square miles
- Saint Kitts and Nevis – 102 square miles
- Maldives – 114 square miles
- Malta – 122 square miles