Bektashi leadership rejects claims of sovereign state in Albania

A public notice has been issued to clarify the nature of Bektashism following international reports regarding the potential establishment of a sovereign ‘Bektashi State’ or ‘Bektashi Vatican’ in Tirana, Albania. The reports suggest this proposed entity would cover approximately 11 hectares and possess its own borders, passports, currency, and diplomatic representations.

The notice emphasizes that Bektashism is a spiritual path of wisdom and not a state project, political movement, or national-political endeavor. It asserts that spiritual authority cannot be created through the declaration of political sovereignty or the issuance of passports.

According to the statement, the historical and spiritual center of the Bektashi path remains the ‘House of Pir’ (the Tekke of Haxhi Bektash Veliu) located in Nevşehir, Turkey. The notice further maintains that, based on historical tradition and the use of Turkish as a common language of worship, the Murshid holding the post of Dedebaba must be a citizen of the Republic of Turkey and reside within its borders. Consequently, any formations in Albania or elsewhere that attempt to relocate this center or violate these rules are considered invalid under Bektashi law.