Hacıbektaş forum explores Bektashism's history in Anatolia and the Balkans

An international forum titled ‘Bektashism in Anatolia and the Balkans, from History to the Present’ was held in Hacıbektaş, Türkiye. The event brought together religious leaders, academics, and researchers from several countries, including participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

The forum, organized by the Presidency of Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate of Communications, focused on the historical development, Sufi roots, and cultural impact of Bektashism. Discussions explored the role of Bektashi lodges in the Balkans and the tradition's potential to strengthen relations between Türkiye and Balkan nations.

A final declaration emphasized that Bektashism is a path of faith and wisdom rooted in Sufism, rather than a political or national project. The declaration asserted that the Hacı Bektaş Veli Lodge remains the historical and spiritual center of the Bektashi tradition and cannot be relocated through political decisions. It also rejected claims of a ‘Bektashi State’ or ‘Bektashi Vatican’ in Tirana, calling for unity among Bektashis worldwide.