Bektashi Order sovereignty proposal sparks regional debate

A debate has emerged regarding the proposal to establish a sovereign entity for the Bektashi Order in Albania, a move that critics argue could have significant geopolitical implications for the Balkans.

Democratic deputy Kreshnik Çollaku has expressed concerns that granting the Bektashi community a special territorial status or unique jurisdiction could provide a precedent for Serbia. He suggests Belgrade might use such a model to demand similar autonomous status for Serbian Orthodox Church sites and properties in Kosovo, potentially complicating discussions regarding the Association of Serb Municipalities and the sovereignty of Kosovo.

In contrast, journalist Mero Baze argues the debate is being misinterpreted. He contends the initiative is not about creating a new state but about restoring the historical and legal status of the Bektashi Community. Baze notes that the community previously held a unique international role, comparable to a “Vatican” for Bektashis, which was undermined by communist-era policies and subsequent legal treatment after 1991.