The Bektashi Order’s name comes from Haji Bektash Veli, a 13th century Sufi mystic. The belief system evolved to become a tolerant, humanistic syncretic combination of Shia Islam, ...

Bektashi Muslims make up about 10% of the Muslims in the country, according to the last census. It wasn't immediately clear how the order would legally be granted sovereignty.

The Bektashi Order has been headquartered in Albania since the 1930s after it was banned in Turkey. Estimates vary, but today there are said to be between 7 and 20 million Bektashis around the world.

The Bektashi Order, making up about 10% of Albania's Muslims, reportedly will receive sovereignty similar to that of the Vatican, governing religious and administrative issues independently of Albania ...

This principle, he noted, is the foundation upon which Albania stands as it seeks to transform the center of the Bektashi Order into a peaceful hub of coexistence. According to reports, the proposed ...

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, ...

It would be created in Albania's capital Tirana and run by the Muslim Bektashi order. However, it will take a long time before the plan can be implemented because of the necessary legal changes ...

Bektashi Muslims make up about 10% of the Muslims in the country, according to the last census. It wasn’t immediately clear how the order would legally be granted sovereignty.

Associated Press TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to transform the Tirana-based Bektashi Muslims into a ...

Associated Press TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to transform the Tirana-based Bektashi Muslims into a sovereign state. On Sunday, he spoke at the ...

The Bektashi Order will receive sovereignty identical to that of the Vatican, governing religious and administrative issues independently of Albania, the Order said.