The Bektash Patriarchate supports the initiative for the creation of a sovereign state: a historical moment for religious tolerance
2024-09-22 19:21:33
TiranaPost
"The World Bektashi Headquarters welcomes the announcement of the initiative to establish the Bektashi Order as a fully sovereign entity, ushering in a new era for global religious tolerance and the promotion of peace."
This is what the World Grandmother of the Bektashi says in a press release.
"The Bektashi order, known for its message of peace, tolerance and religious harmony, will gain Vatican-like sovereignty, allowing it to autonomously govern religious and administrative affairs. The move will enable the Order to strengthen its role in promoting global interfaith dialogue and countering the rise of violent extremism around the world. The sovereignty will ensure the protection and independence of the religious practices of the Bektashi Order and the international promotion of these values.
For believers of the Bektashi Order around the world, this sovereignty ensures official recognition of their religious community and ensures the protection of their spiritual practices. It will also create a platform for the Order to spread its message of peace and tolerance more effectively, serving as a global voice for moderate Islam. The sovereignty of the Bektashi Order is an important step in strengthening the values of inclusion, religious harmony and dialogue in an increasingly divided world," the announcement states.
"This initiative is not about self-determination; nor are we seeking influence or political power. Instead, we are asking for the freedom to continue our centuries-old tradition of spiritual moderation and religious inclusion", emphasized Great Grandfather Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj.
The notification also clarifies which persons will benefit from the citizenship of the new state that is claimed to be created.
"As a spiritual entity, citizenship in the new sovereign state of the Bektashi Order will be limited only to members of the clergy and individuals engaged in state administration. The government of the state will be led by the spiritual leadership of the Order, with the Grandfather (Dedebaba) and a council that will oversee the religious and administrative functions. Contrary to what has been alluded to in the media, the new state will have no other goal than spiritual leadership," the statement to the media reads.
The news about the creation of such a state was first articulated in the prestigious American "New York Times", where Prime Minister Edi Rama and Great Grandfather Edmond Brahimaj speak. Prime Minister Rama said that in the near future he will announce plans for the entity, which will be called the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order.
