At just 0,11 km², the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order could take the title of smallest country in the world from the Vatican. If approved, this new microstate in Albania will have exclusive citizenship for religious leaders and promises to impact global politics!
For years, Vatican City has held the title of the world’s smallest country, but that reign may soon be over. Albania has taken the international stage by storm by proposing to create a new sovereign state that will be even smaller than the Vatican. The move could redefine global geography and raise a series of questions about sovereignty, religion and global politics.
The idea of a new country does not come out of nowhere. The Albanian government, through a project The bill, introduced by the prime minister, would transform the headquarters of the Bektashi Order into an independent state. If approved, this new nation, provisionally called the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, would occupy just 0,11 square kilometers – about a quarter of the size of the Vatican.
But what makes this proposal so special? And what are the consequences for Albania and the world?
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What is the Bektashi Order and why does it seek sovereignty?
The Bektashi Order is a Sufi Islamic sect with roots in the Ottoman Empire, which emerged in the 1925th century. Its main goal has always been to promote a mystical interpretation of Islam, focused on spirituality, tolerance and unity. Since XNUMX, its global headquarters has been located in Albania, making it one of the largest centers of the Bektashi tradition.
Over the years, the Order gained relevance inside and outside Albania, but it always faced political and religious challenges. To ensure your autonomy and cultural preservation, religious leaders began to seek forms of official recognition. And nothing is more symbolic than having their own nation.
Sovereignty would give the Bektashi Order a unique status, similar to that which the Vatican has for the Catholic Church. It would allow its leaders to govern without political interference and ensure the continuity of its traditions without external pressure.
The smallest country in the world: what will it be like?
If the proposal is approved, the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order will be the smallest country in the world. To give you an idea, its 0,11 km² is smaller than many neighborhoods in large cities. Only a select group of people will have citizenship in this new microstate: the religious leaders of the Order and government authorities.
The political structure of this country will also follow a unique model, much like that of the Vatican. Instead of traditional elections, power will be held within the Order itself, and its governance will be based on the spiritual and administrative principles of the sect.
From a territorial point of view, the country will be an island within Albania, functioning independently but surrounded by Albanian lands. This raises questions about security, diplomatic relations and even how it will be recognized by other countries.
Political, economic and cultural impacts of the new country
The creation of the world's smallest country is not without consequences. This move could have a direct impact on international relations, especially since it is a territory within another sovereign state. How will other countries view this decision? Is Albania prepared for this change?
Beyond politics, there is the economic factor and tourist destination. The Vatican, despite its small size, receives millions of visitors every year. The Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order could follow suit, becoming a spiritual and cultural center for scholars, pilgrims and tourists interested in learning more about Sufism.