Portuguese 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
With Only 0.11 km², The Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order Can Take the Vatican’s Title as the Smallest Country in the World. If Approved, This New Microstate in Albania Will Have Exclusive Citizenship for Religious Leaders and Promises to Impact Global Politics!
For years, the Vatican has held the title of the smallest country in the world, but this reign may be about to end. Albania surprised the international scene by proposing the creation of a unique sovereign state, which will be even smaller than the Vatican. This decision could redefine global geography and raise a host 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 bill presented by the prime minister, aims to transform the headquarters of the Bektashi Order into an independent state. If approved, this new nation, temporarily named the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, would occupy only 0.11 square kilometers – about a quarter the size of the Vatican.
But what makes this proposal so special? And what are the consequences for Albania and the world?
-
China prepares mBridge, a new digital payment system with blockchain that promises transactions in seconds, lower fees, and the advancement of the digital renminbi while aiming to reduce dependence on the dollar in global trade.
-
Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning conducts about 170 takeoffs and landings in the Western Pacific, but Japanese surveillance turns the training into a regional alert: Beijing denies specific targeting while Tokyo monitors the fleet that passed 590 km from Miyakojima, reigniting tension in Asia.
-
China did not like the decision by the U.S. to place BYD, Alibaba, and Baidu on a list linked to the Chinese military sector.
-
China imposes sanctions on the Philippine Defense chief, bans entry to Hong Kong and Macau, and turns criticisms over the South China Sea into a new diplomatic crisis that could bring Manila even closer to the US.
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, emerging in the 13th century. Its main objective has always been to promote a mystical interpretation of Islam, focused on spirituality, tolerance, and unity. Since 1925, its global headquarters has been located in Albania, becoming one of the largest centers of the Bektashi tradition.
Over the years, the Order has gained relevance both inside and outside Albania but has always faced political and religious challenges. To ensure its autonomy and cultural preservation, religious leaders have begun 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 what the Vatican has for the Catholic Church. This would allow its leaders to govern without political interference and ensure the continuity of their traditions without external pressures.
The Smallest Country in the World: How Will It Be?
If the proposal is approved, the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order will be the smallest country in the world. To put it in context, 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, quite similar to that of the Vatican. Instead of traditional elections, power will be kept within the Order itself, and its governance will be based on the spiritual and administrative principles of the sect.
From a territorial standpoint, 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 smallest country in the world does not happen without consequences. This movement could directly impact 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?
In addition to politics, there is the economic and tourism factor. The Vatican, despite being small, receives millions of visitors every year. The Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order could follow the same path, becoming a spiritual and cultural center for scholars, pilgrims, and tourists interested in learning more about Sufism.
-
1 person reacted to this.