BEKTASHISTAN | Albania's New Country?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

After all the focus on the United States, I decided to do something completely different this week. This is a curious story that I had hoped to cover earlier. In September, the Albanian prime minister's announcement that he wanted to create a Bektashi Sovereign State in the country's capital, Tirana, attracted much attention. But while many dismissed it as a gimmick, there could be something to it. So, do you think it is a good idea? And could it be used to manage some other issues? I mentioned the case of Kosovo, but could this also be an option for the Ecumenical Patriarch in Turkey? Let me know your thoughts below.

[@KonradAdenauerJr]

It's an intriguing idea, to be sure. The Bektashi adherents practice things like celibacy, eating pork, and drinking alcohol, which scandalize other Muslims. The survival of the Bektashi order is partly due to the late Baba Rexheb Beqiri, who fled communist takeover of Albania in 1944, and years later emigrated to the US, where he founded a tekke in the Detroit area. Another interesting fact: Prime Minister Edi Rama is Roman-Catholic...

[@adamradziwill]

We Belarusians are fully supporting BEKTASHISTAN , and 2 Albanian states ! Great Project ! 2 % of Belarusians are Lipka (Litwin in Turkish ) Muslims

[@eaglempire_mapper]

Just no, I hope it will never be created

[@MisterJovke]

@@adamradziwill You are not Belarusian, but Lithuanian. Belarus abolished education in the Belarusian language, because 90% of Belarusians speak only Russian. Belarus will soon join Russia...

[@ervinxx2545]

Bektashism is just a Term nowadays,. Hadji Bektash Veli who was a Cristian Knight (many Sources made Mihal Qose) converted in Islam(or better Turkifikied) and create the Order of Janissaires(YeniÇeri- Youngsoldier) take the Urufism Sufian(who was based on Kabala and Old Testament, sow not in Islam) for the Dogm of his Order,. The Albanians dominate the Order from the end of 15cent till the end on 19cent. The New State of Bektashi is just a Right on the Jannissaires Tribute of Albanian Blood (the lost of the Childhoods on Centuries). And one Exotic point of Tourisme Ps. I ame from a Albanian Bektashi Muhip (direct descendants of a Janissairy) and we are Lay(Secular. Or Baptized Orthodox like me, like our Ancestors)

[@andin3720]

As a bektashi Albanian I think that our prime minister has too much free time on his hand. We don’t need this. lol 😅

[@DanielSmith1234j]

I would worry more about your president and the president of Serbia who were really friends and hiding it from their people what they are planning on doing because little resources say that soon Macedonia will be split into 2/2 going to Albania have going to Serbia while Kosovo is also split into 2 in 2025

[@BornKafir]

Right. Ask anyone from a muslim background around the world. Nobody actually knows what this tiny fringe sect is about and it certainly can not be compared to Catholics. This is a ridiculous stunt.

[@nonalume1700]

andin🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@NaimIslam-z2u]

@@andin3720 Of Course need...where is a vatican so why not muslims vatican?...If muslims vatican will be established I'll go one day to visit Insallah from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 ❣️🇦🇱

[@eaglempire_mapper]

​@@NaimIslam-z2uThe place where is proposed to be is still there, you can visit it without being a state

[@erdibulku6848]

as an albanian this idea caught all of us by surprise. it came completely out of nowhere, it had never even been discussed in our country before. even the highest bektashi cleric was clueless when asked about it. bektashi people themselves are opposed to it. not to mention it violates the constitution.

[@osmanhafiften9655]

hi bro! Are the bektashis the majority in Albania or are other Muslims?

[@erdibulku6848]

@@osmanhafiften9655 bektashis are around 5% sunnis are around 45% , 15% christians and the rest declare as irreligious or atheists

[@arrore]

@@osmanhafiften9655 1-5% are religious in Albania. The rest are just confused about religion and belief in Divinity. In other words, Albanians only believe in the Abrahamic principle of the Divine and not the rest of religious principles that altogether make a religion. This is why one cannot call Albanians Muslim or Christian as we have our own culture, identity and way of life not influenced at all by religious philosophies like you see in other parts of the world.

[@osmanhafiften9655]

@@erdibulku6848 thank you so much, i love Albanians i love Elbasan, Berat, Şkoder, Vlora, Dıraç, Kukes, Diber, Bajram Curri, Tropoja, Korçä... albanians ♥️ turks 🇦🇱🇹🇷

[@அவானிஉயர்ந்தது]

That is weird. Do you think Turkey rather Erdogan’s got to do with it? How about Wahhabism? Has it managed to infiltrate your country like it did in Bosnia?

[@lambda6564]

A new balkan country was certainly not on my 2024 geopolitics bingo card :D

[@stanton7847]

Balkanization is never finished!

[@YourD3estinY]

How is a bilaterally agreed secession wrong?

[@m.j.n.808]

​@YourD3estinY they never said it was wrong. They were joking and the joke went over your head

[@taysondynastyemperor5124]

Yugoslavia got Balkanized so hard that countries that were never a part of Yugoslavia are being Balkanized too.

[@YourD3estinY]

@@m.j.n.808 Balkanization is a negatively loaded term. Obviously, this is meant to be derogatory.

[@TonyToma-u7f]

What does that even mean??ballcanisation....

[@arrore]

1. Bektashistan (...stan? Never expected such an irony jab from you:). Bektashi Order (State) 2. From 2023 Census 45%, are are Muslim, 5% Bektashi. The 70% figure is a 1912 assumption. 3. Albanian ethnicity is about 98% in the country. The remaining 1-2% are Greeks, Bugarians/Macedonians, Goranis, Roma&Gypsies. There are no Serbs in Albania. Maximum a 100 or so and Montenegrins a bit more. The 10% minority figure doesn't make sense. I think you're assuming the census undeclared 10% to be from minorities. 4. It's surprising that you attributed a religion to 100% of the Albanian population when the people are in fact one of the least religious in Europe. You always make these out of date generalisations when profiling Albania. It's the only thing I don't like from your channel :). Other than that, Great information.

[@stijnvansevenant7528]

@@arrore source?

[@vericacvetkovic9093]

There are Serbs in Albania, but they are not allowed to declare themselves as Serbs at census. They were forced to change their names from Serbian to Albanian in the last century, and now, those who want to change it back to Serbian, have to pay separately for the first name and surname. That policy has a purpose to deny Serbian ethnicity and prevent them from doing it.

[@arrore]

@@vericacvetkovic9093 LOL. Don't read into serbian propaganda poo mate. The Serbs in Albania have always been a handful, like 100 or 200 maximum. Same as Montenegrins. They adopted the names to fit better into the society themselves. No one forced them. If they did, there would already be case studies. it hasnt been an issue. Bear in mind that slavic surnames are really unsuitable to the Albanian language, so after many decades living among Albanians these serbs wwould eventually say an easier form of the name to suit the tong. Or even the locals would misspronounce and or add the 'definite article' at the end of the name: i, a, u. Which is always a vowel.

[@vladar8317]

You are ridiculous of cleaming that there are no Serbians in North Albana bu Bulgarians are living there? There are tnes of tausents of Serbians livin in the aria from middle ages who are forces to change their names ( only alowd do keep serbian frst or last name) and there is even on KZbin video of destructiona of Serbian Churches and monsters in Skadar!

[@bekimmedija9389]

When i read the titel i immediately what to Report for Missinformation ( useless speculation)

[@aureaphilos]

A very interesting topic, and well presented (as your videos always are! It brings to mind the monastic territory of Mount Athos in Greece, and the Sovereign Order of Malta.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. You’re absolutely right. Both examples also came to mind. Athos is interesting, but holds an autonomous status in Greece rather than being strictly sovereign. And the Order of Malta is really more a glorified NGO than anything. (I did a video on it many years ago.)

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

​@@JamesKerLindsaythe interesting thing about Athos is that in some point it was proposed in 1922 the seat of the orthodox patriarchy to move there

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@Pavlos_Charalambous Interesting. I never knew that. If Albania does this, I think it would be a good model for Turkey to follow with the Patriarchate. With a couple of models in practice, it would make it a little easier to make a case for it. (But I doubt it would ever do it.)

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@JamesKerLindsay it was Venizelos ( who else )that proposed it but he found resistance pretty much by everyone, in Greece, Turkey and the church If Turkey allows such a level of autonomy it would probably ease a lot of tension between the countries and would be a huge pr win not to mention that would have starved from ammunition the most unhinged nationalist in Greece that tend to be very religious and would often support anyone who would promise them something similar -after all the basic reason why those people are pro Russian is the myth of the “ blond nation “ But I don't believe it would ever happen either

[@b0za]

@@JamesKerLindsay the interesting part about the Mount Athos, is that it is a subject to the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople which elevates the status of autonomy (ofc it is not a sovereign state, but they like to call it monastic "republic").

[@AppNetEnt]

This is fascinating. I was just in Tirana and so surprised, pleasantly, at its openness and acceptance of everyone. I freely flew my drone in the city centre, when i compare how that would have been viewed just a few years ago it would have been impossible, yet Albanians are so incredibly open, friendly and accepting of everyone. I agree this is just a publicity stunt from Rama, I don’t think it will see the light of day, but the sheer fact that this has been proposed is remarkable in itself. Albania has a troubled past, maybe this is a way to really ensure its liberal attitudes are stamped all over its future. I kinda like it.

[@maskinisten019]

Its simply and israeli plan

[@Apistoleon]

Bektashis and Alevis are very different than other Islamic sects. Men and women pray together and listen the religious head, together in the same congregation. They do round prayer dances together. Bektashis and Alevis are very similar. Women can even become the head of the religious and the cultural group for centuries, way before other Abrahamic religions or sects allowed such a thing. Alevis and Bektashis have ancient Turkic and Anatolian elements in their faith. Sunnism is a more alien sect to the original Turkish culture and to the Balkan culture. Of course Sunnism has many interpretations as well. Sunnis always create blasphemous lies against Alevis and Bektashis about sexual promiscuousness. Yet you can find so many sex or molestation scandals in Sunni, Shiite groups, congregations , tarikahs and sects, like Catholics, Evangelicals, Orthodox etc

[@x-hulio]

The Albanian style of Bektashism has mostly christian elements since it was developed here via the Albanian janissaries who were orthodox christians( primarily) converted to bektashi.

[@mda990]

@@x-hulio yeah it seems Albanian "Bektashism" diverted a lot from Anatolian Bektashism. it is interesting they still call themselves Bektashi instead of a new name as they turned into a new organized religion rather than a mystic sufi order.

[@zymerkukalaj3410]

We have in kosova a small minority of shia alevis ofc they are kufar it has nothing to do with the sexual elements but more with the concept of intermediaries. Basically they are grave worshipers. The same goes for the bektashis. This is something that the Prophet sallahu alejhi we selam never taught nor practiced.

[@بلادالرافدين]

@@zymerkukalaj3410 Shia is Muslims but Sunnis is kufar

[@zymerkukalaj3410]

@بلادالرافدين All the scholars of Shia attended a meeting to discuss the whole issue of Sunni & Shia. Only one Sunni Scholar attended the meeting, Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal. He walked in late to the meeting holding his sandals under his armpit. The Scholars of the Shia looked at him and asked “Why have you entered holding your sandals?” Imam Ahmed replied: “I heard that the Shia in the Prophet(SAW)'s time used to steal sandals”. So the scholars of the Shia looked at each other confused and replied: “There was no Shia in the Prophet's time.” Then, Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said: “This ends our discussion. Then, where did u get ur religion from? What an intelligent and creative behavior!

[@bernd_das_brot6911]

Awesome to see a video about this!!! Read the article a month ago or so and immediately wondered about what you would think.

[@maziicmontgomery8124]

Been waiting for a video on this!! Thank you!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Yes, it was one I really had to do! (And wanted to do.)

[@THEPRESSTV]

​@@JamesKerLindsay its 45% muslim

[@FabledCity]

I attended an event back in September (during UN week) out of sheer curiosity where PM Rama was promoting his rather quixotic vision of this Sufi micro state within Tirana. Hi s principle message seemed to be he wants to reshape Albania's image on the world stage from being perceived as a deeply corrupt mafia state to being seen as a bastion of 21st century tolerance on the EU's periphery.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. How interesting! I actually think the proposal has some merit. As I mentioned, it could offer a potential route for Kosovo (and elsewhere). Although I don’t see Kurti going for it for it.

[@chriscolley2229]

​@@JamesKerLindsay One day we will all be one .

[@FabledCity]

@@JamesKerLindsay I had no idea about the Kosovo angle to this story (Rama obviously couldn't have mentioned that in his speech). His core message seemed to be about updating how Albania is viewed within Europe more broadly. Whether this works out or not, it had certainly put his country in the news cycle.

[@mimisor66]

​@@JamesKerLindsayyou mentioned there where 10 million followers of the faith in Turkey. How would establishing the "headquarters" of it in Albania influence them? At the very least it might draw a lot of religious tourism to Albania.

[@andrewsharratt2399]

Call me cynical but it could be an opportunity to set up a tax haven, close to home, without having to worry about exporting money outside of his defacto jurisdiction.

[@claydee7092]

As an Albanian, I have to say that this video is put together very well! However, I noticed that you used outdated data for Albania's population. The most recent census was conducted in September 2023. Aside from that, fantastic video as always!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. These were the figures I could find. But I’d be keen to have more details. What is the demographic break down now then?

[@entropy1148]

@@JamesKerLindsay Total population is estimated at 2.4 milion. 32% of the population is in Tirana www.instat.gov.al/media/13615/cens-i-popullsise-2023.pdf Link to the census Ethnic Groups: Shqiptare | Albanian 2 186 917 Greke | Greek 23 485 Maqedonase | Macedonian 2 281 Malazeze | Montenegrin 511 Aromune | Aromanian 2 459 Rome | Roma 9 813 Egjyptiane | Egyptian 12 375 Boshnjake | Bosnian 2 963 Serbe | Serbian 584 Bullgare | Bulgarian 7 057 Tjetër grup etno-kulturor | Other ethnic identity 3 798

[@claydee7092]

@@JamesKerLindsay The total population has dropped to exactly 2.4 million, but the ethnic percentages remain nearly the same. The biggest changes appear in religious composition: Sunni muslims - 45.86% Bektashi muslims - 4.81% Catholic christians - 8.38% Orthodox christians - 7.22% Protestant christians - 0.4% Believers without denomination - 13.82% Atheists - 3.55% No answer - 15.76% You can find all this information and more in this book ( www.instat.gov.al/en/publications/books/2024/albanian-population-and-housing-census-2023/ ) published by institut of statistics in Albania. Most of the information is in albanian, but the tables have english translations.

[@claydee7092]

@@JamesKerLindsay The total population has dropped to exactly 2.4 million, but the ethnic percentages remain nearly the same. The biggest changes appear in religious composition: Sunni muslims - 45.86% Bektashi muslims - 4.81% Catholic christians - 8.38% Orthodox christians - 7.22% Protestant christians - 0.4% Believers without denomination - 13.82% Atheists - 3.55% No answer - 15.76% You can find all this information and more in this book ( www.instat.gov.al/en/publications/books/2024/albanian-population-and-housing-census-2023 ) published by institut of statistics in Albania. Most of the information is in albanian, but the tables have english translations.

[@claydee7092]

​@@JamesKerLindsayThe total population has dropped to exactly 2.4 million, but the ethnic percentages remain nearly the same. The biggest changes appear in religious composition: Sunni muslims - 45.86% Bektashi muslims - 4.81% Catholic christians - 8.38% Orthodox christians - 7.22% Protestant christians - 0.4% Believers without denomination - 13.82% Atheists - 3.55% No answer - 15.76% You can find all this information and more in this book (youtube deletes my comment when I insert a link. Search "Albanian Population and Housing Census 2023" and it should be the first link from instat ) published by institut of statistics in Albania. Most of the information is in albanian, but the tables have english translations.

[@skyblader]

As an Alevi from Turkey, I should say that Alevis and Bektaşis have a secular structure. Because of this structure, creating a Bektaşi state is contradictory to fate. States shouldn't have religions.

[@andin3720]

Exactly, we bektashi Albanians are probably one of the most secular, patriotic, and liberal communities in Albania, We don’t need this absurd new state.

[@andiandi007]

It will not be a state dont listen to them. It will be a bektashian place for all the bektashi people in the world. Just to visit

[@ar-4323]

Thank you for the video. I didn’t think we will get one so I asked the question for the Anniversary Q&A but, I got a full blown video instead.

[@sonofenver8503]

Hi James I’ve been watching your videos for a long time - I really enjoy your content. I feel like the time has come for you to have your own podcast where I can hear you speak with a guest for good 2 to 3 hours.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. :-) I am working on a few ideas, including interviews. I have wanted to do this for ages. It's just been a question of finding the time.

[@THEPRESSTV]

​@@JamesKerLindsay 45% muslim frien

[@mirelsalaj3925]

According to the census done last year the muslim percentage in Albania has dropped around 40-45%.

[@eaglempire_mapper]

45% is Sunni Muslim, 5-6% including the Bektashis, 1% Shia and it makes 52%

[@mirelsalaj3925]

@ yes but he said 70% of Albanians are Muslims which is misleading.

[@THEPRESSTV]

​@@mirelsalaj3925 there are still old censuses from 2009 that have not been replaced

[@THEPRESSTV]

​@@eaglempire_mapper wrong 45% is islam in all

[@eaglempire_mapper]

​@@THEPRESSTVThe census said: Muslims: 46% Bektashi: 6% Since Bektashi is Islam, Islam is 52% overall

[@acolyte1951]

I appreciate the Google Earth clip. How far technology has come!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Yes, its really quite amazing! You can have a lot of fun with Google Earth. :-)

[@aureliogj7966]

Just another example of Churchill’s famous saying that “The Balkans produce more politics then they will be ever able to consume”

[@kw2142]

wow, was really expecting a video on USA lol but this is an interesting subject that I've previously never heard of! thanks!

[@Visi921]

I would like to thank professor Lindsay on making this video on behalf of the Albanians. Although an interesting concept, and may provide lee way to Kosovo-Serbia talks, I don’t see it as an idea that Albanians need to be worrying about as of this moment. Not only this, but a state based on religion will undermine the Albanian way of religious harmony. Yes we are mostly Muslim and if you begin to count the Albanians who are from Kosovo Macedonia and Montenegro the number may spiral to 80-90% but still Albanian Muslims have always respected their Christian minority and vice versa. On the topic of Kosovo-Macedonia-Montenegro, these countries are a perfect example of the “balkanization” effect. adding another country in the mix will only decentralize the region further and may perhaps open the road to other secessionists movements as you said in your video with the Serbian Orthodox Church.

[@osmanhafiften9655]

hi bro! Are the bektashis the majority in Albania or are they other Muslims? I would be very happy if you could inform me about this🙏🏻

[@Bernaren60]

@osmanhafiften9655 No, they are 5%. Sunnis are the biggest religion

[@yellowwasprakija2869]

LOL we have seen your ‘religious harmony’ in the countless destroyed monasteries and churches

[@osmanhafiften9655]

@@Bernaren60 thanks a lot i love Albanians, Şkoder, Elbasan, Durres, Berat, Diber, Kukes, Korçe, Vlore... Especially the architecture of the city of Berat is the same in Turkey, I admire the Albanian culture, Albanians and Turks are brothers forever 🇦🇱♥️🇹🇷

[@PoppinC-l3w]

I think you're focusing on the wrong parts. Serbia ALREADY claims the entirety of Kosovo. If the Serbian Orthodox Church claimed a much smaller jurisdiction of land in Kosovo, that's actually positive progress.

[@roadguittar3008]

Edi Rama is unhappy that Albania is seen as a Muslim country. He thinks of the European Union as a kind of Christian club. He planned to emphasise a more tolerant branch of Islam that would look more appealing to them. Previously, he had managed to reduce the Muslim population to 50 per cent with options such as no response to censuses and non-denominational believers.

[@eaglempire_mapper]

Absolutely not true. He has his interests in that state. Albanian politics isn't as diverse as you think

[@dom8929]

@@roadguittar3008 I mean every educated Albanian believe the same lol

[@eaglempire_mapper]

I don't understand why you perceive Islam so harsh??? Not at all!

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

Better the bectashi than the talibans

[@NikolaHD]

Ever since i heard about it, i tought its a joke. Now that its coming closer to realisation, I think its even bigger joke. Albania has no power like italy had. Bektashi is a very small percentage of Islam therefore it can only caused a problems for Albania and nothing else.

[@eaglempire_mapper]

I agree with you as an Albanian

[@x-hulio]

Albanian here and from a home with mixed religion. Correction about some of the numbers given at the beginning by last year's census in Albania there are 47% of the population is muslim (non bektashi) and also we don't have Serbian minority. We as Albanians have changed religions for centuries ( for economy and political purpose like all Balkan populations) and we like in harmony with each other since we are Albanians before anything else. Bektashi state probably is a political stunt of the government and highly unlikely to happen. But the Bektashi's are a well respected religion in Albania and contributors to the national cause and known by their one of their phrases "Pa komb nuk ka fe" which means without a nation there is no religion.

[@osmanhafiften9655]

hi bro, Are the bektashis the majority in Albania or are they other Muslims? I would be very happy if you could inform me about this 🙏🏻

[@x-hulio]

@osmanhafiften9655 The Bektashis are a sect linked to Sufism and Shia with christian elements ( a bit complicated) but in Albania they are considered a different religion from normal sunni muslim.

[@osmanhafiften9655]

@@x-hulio thank you fellow🙏🏻 İ am interested Albanian culture. Because we have lived together for centuries. İ love Albanian cities partciluarly its architecture Berat, Elbasan, Şkoder, Tiran, Vlore, Korçe, Kukes, Diber ♥️

[@KingLinm]

@@osmanhafiften9655 bektashis make up 5 to 10 percent of the population at most.

[@mimisor66]

Greece also has Mount Athos with a degree of autonomy. I think it may provide some advantages, but maybe professor Lindsay is not the best suited to discuss this. At the least, it might attract religious tourism from Turkey's Bektashis.

[@Hidfhjccbxcbhc]

I learn a lot on you amazing podcasts, brilliant professor, I highly appreciated you so much.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! :-) Have a great weekend.

[@Hidfhjccbxcbhc]

@JamesKerLindsay Thank you Too Prof, wishing you happy weekend.

[@Todd.B]

Happy Friday Prof. It really doesn't come as a surprise the Bektashi in Turkey would be against it. I am a little puzzled that some other ethnic groups are opposed to it, saying it sets a precedent for other religious groups to seek autonomy. Hasn't the Vatican already set that precedent. Anywho, enjoyed and as always learned a little something today.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks, Todd. And a very happy Friday to you, too! :-) Yes, the Turkish Bektashi/Alevi response wasn't a huge surprise. If they are seen to endorse it, it may cause friction with Erdogan. On that note, it will be really interesting to see Ankara's reaction if this idea goes ahead. While Turkey is very close to Albania, I can see it refusing to accept a Bektashi Sovereign State, not least of all, as it could open the way for a similar call for the Ecumenical Patriarchate to be recognised.

[@Todd.B]

@ Turkey would pretty much have not except it as a sovereign state and side with the Turkish Bektashi, especially with that large a population inside of Turkey. I’m not a religious person and this is one reason why, it sure seems to cause a lot of conflict around the world in many different forms.

[@PoppinC-l3w]

The Alevi Bektashi Federation isn't a neutral entity. First of all, Alevism and Bektashism aren't the same but contemporary Turkish nationalists pretend they are. The history of Alevism as presented is pretty distorted, being disproportionately attributed to Bektashism and Oghuz Turkic shamanism. Modern Bektashism can be called a current or tendency _within_ Alevism, which itself is an umbrella of various syncretic forms of Shia Islam. Turkish Alevis are more in line with Bektashism, which can be argued are one and the same nowadays. Kurdish Alevis are more varied and distinct. The Alevi Bektashi Federation of Turkiye is opposed to the idea of Albania granting a microstate for the sole reason that it reminds some people of separatism. I reckon Albania wants it because: 1) It might boost tourism. 2) They actually want to preserve the faith and identity from disappearing, especially if Albania joins the EU. 3) They want the Order to not be subject to EU laws and maintain a distinct status much like Mount Athos in Greece.

[@europeanlover]

ALBANIAN KNOW HOW TO MAKE FREE MARKETING 😂 ! Respect this is why they have 14 milion tourist every year

[@refittoro5282]

I believe in God . Religion and politics i leave them for the rest . Religion +Politics = war and hate

[@johnwolf7073]

very interesting! i am greek but this is the first time i hear about this religion. i am curious if maybe some of them are greek and they dont even know it, if i am not wrong many janissaries where greek (they took them from their families when they were kids) i searched now and according to ChatGPT 40%-50% came from Greek-speaking christian populations in the balkans and anatolia. i love your videos, keep it up!

[@Iletmeknow]

Bro you must understand back in a day greeks and Albanians were called and treated the same in ottoman times. The people who got more screwed is Greeks and Albanians. Only Slavic people were saved somehow. Not even close what Greeks and Albanians have gone through

[@Alistir_TheChessPlayer]

@johnwolf7073 they have been albanian orthodox from south albania not greek before converted to bektashi. Religion and ethnicity are two different things.

[@mirianakovachevic748]

I'm from Montenegro and I only heard about this sect few years ago.

[@vericacvetkovic9093]

​@@Iletmeknow Not true. Serbs were killed and only some who converted to Islam for benefits had it easier. Albanians converted to Islam en mass in order to be privileged and rob and kill Serbs and be protected by Turks.

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

They are quite peaceful, like singing and drinking alcohol. They are also very patriotic so as a Christian I see no problem with this. It will be a nice tourist income. It is nice for Albania to be the home country of a religion.

[@GababoBule]

Thanks you prof Lindsay am learning more about politics from you👍

[@oldgreybeard2507]

Thank you for an interesting video which was not about THAT MAN

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I think we all need a break from it. And this seemed about as different as can be. :-)

[@Aydetryyyi-et8ei]

This is just a pure political movement, with a well-calculated agenda hidden behind it. It has nothing to do with the Bektashi religion. As the Albanian Bektashin themselves have affirmed, they do not feel the need for such a state.

[@adamski-l5w]

I found this video a good reminder that nation states have not always been the norm. Thank you for the handy reminder.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Indeed. I often find it hard to get my head around alternative forms of territorial entities. But there was a time when things were much more complicated, and unstable.

[@Beeoriginal33]

3:59 serbs??? Acording to the latest popolation registration, with serbia trying hard, paying up people to declare themselves serbs and still , around 500 people say they are serbs. 500 people and u call that a minority??? Pfffff

[@bingbong3084]

how would it be impossible for there to be serbs in albania ? most balkan countries have mixed minority groups especially since everyone moved so much during ottoman conquest

[@Beeoriginal33]

@bingbong3084 dude, im not talking about what u think is possible or inpossible, im talking numbers. The numbers say there r 500 - 550 people who say they are serbs ( and there was a big fuzz a couple of years ago, to raise the number of serbs in albania , saying they are a big minority and they even wanted to make their own independended state.. pffff ) . Check it, do your research and see how many serbs there r in Albania.

[@markopinteric]

If they are not minority, what are they? Majority? There are only two options.

[@Beeoriginal33]

@@markopinteric Everytime 500 people come for vacations or a workshop in Albania, we call them a minority??? Pinteric, go play words games somewhere else. There are at least 2 whole regions in Serbia with 90+ % albanians and serbia doesnt recognize them minority rights, we should recognize 500 people. Beach please.

[@markopinteric]

@@Beeoriginal33 I was not talking about the minority RIGHTS. I was talking about the fact that if country X reports that a people Y live within its borders, Y is a minority. Of course the number of minority members has an impact on how many rights are appropriate, and if there are more Albanians in Serbia than Serbs in Albania, of course the Albanian minority should have more rights. But you did not mention anything about that in your original post, video never mentioned any issue with Serb minority rights and I am not a mind reader. And your vacation argument has absolutely no relation to the topic at hand.

[@casey203]

At this point let’s just let the balkans reach its final form and turn it into a peninsula of city-states.

[@Hajde_budalla]

Quit yer shttalking, youre not even from the balkans and you know nothing about our culture. This idea runs against everything we believe in.

[@thedarkside13]

When the devil goes to sleep at night, he checks under his bed to see if Edi Rama is still there.

[@GenciTirana]

Edi Rama is Albos 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱 giant . Next century Albania will get all Balkan

[@ismaciilcabdillahiyuusuf2650]

The World with peace, unity, integrity and love,, watching from berbera somaliland republic,, thanks for all info news,,

[@dmkape2887]

As an orthodox albanian i supported rama we he was first elected but this is going too far! We deen to eradicate religion extremism in our country not give it place to thrive.

[@Hajde_budalla]

Its not an extremist sect. But we shouldn’t treat any religion as separate or above the others.

[@maskinisten019]

Its an Israeli/George Soros agenda

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

You have no clue about the Bektashi order, they are very peaceful and very patriotic. They drink raki amd like to sing traditional songs, they have also fought for Albania. Do you live in Greece?

[@eaglempire_mapper]

​@@politicallyincorrect2564Sunnis, Catholics, Orthodoxs fought for Albania. All of them are patriotic, all sing traditional songs. Catholics and Orthodoxs drink raki, but with some limits, and Muslims no, because it may be bad for health. Is there any problem with these religions

[@dmkape2887]

@@politicallyincorrect2564 I don't like in Greece! And when have Muslims in Albania done something that's beneficial for Albania? Never!

[@nubilan]

And it's against this backdrop was nice to hear again.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

However. :-)

[@peaceb4]

Interesting video! Thanks!

[@AndrewTodman]

James, thank you so much for your informed and thought-provoking podcasts. Your comments in this one inspired a few musings: 1a) what about the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as an alternative "model" to the Vatican for a religious entity such as this one. 1b) Why is this suddenly an idea? With Albania aiming for EU membership, is there a benefit (money/tax) for the Bektashi order in being independent outside of the EU? 2) On the topic of new( old-new) models of statehood, we see support for the constitutuonal monarchy being restored in Libya as a way forward. Could the constitutuonal monarchy model be a solution for other failed or failing states, in your opinion? Thank you.

[@BOBK-jf4qx]

How can I apply for Bektashi passport - I love Sufi State idea! :)

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Haha! Apparently, you will need to become a senior Bektashi cleric first. 😀

[@eaglempire_mapper]

Well, the state doesn't exist, so you can't...

[@BOBK-jf4qx]

@@JamesKerLindsay Time to declare my property an independent Sufi State then... :P

[@PoppinC-l3w]

Saying Bektashis are considered heretical by Sunnis and Shias is incorrect since Shiaism isn't a unique sect but an umbrella of sects. There's never been one sect or tendency that has dominated the entirety of Shiaism. The practices and beliefs of Shia sects have always varied radically. Sufism isn't a sect but a practice or tendency within Islam. Most Sufis are Sunni, some Sufis are Twelver Shia, and some are neither. Bektashism, at least as it exists today, belong to the third category.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. But even within Shia there are still forms of the faith that aren’t considered to be truly Islamic, thus heretical. I don’t think what I said was wrong. The Bektashi have been considered by both branches, at one time or another, as holding beliefs that don’t conform with standard Muslim doctrine.

[@ThePijarro]

@@JamesKerLindsay question is considered heretical by who? If you let majoritarians such as Twelvers define what is heretical then of course lol.

[@بلادالرافدين]

@@JamesKerLindsay Sunnis have a lot of heresy in their beliefs, so do not rely on the Sunnis’ statement about the Shiites because both of them consider the other as heretical and deviant.

[@بلادالرافدين]

You are Sunni and your religion is based on the heresies of Bukhari and Muslim and the four Abbasid schools of thought, so you are the last to talk about heresies.

[@AR-rg2en]

Incorrect, Shiism refers to the twelver Shias.

[@esc19]

Great idea this will be a new center of religion in the world and a lots of tourists and economy push will happen

[@mcswordfish]

You missed the opportunity to quite the best statistic about the Vatican - that is has 2.2 Popes per square kilometre

[@JamesKerLindsay]

😂😂😂👍👏👏👏

[@mcdtubes]

Alevism in Turkey is very popular since it's a more tolerant and spiritual sect of islam which correlates more with the Turkish or Turkic cultures. My parents are from Konya which is where Rumi lived and they are the most tolerant and open-minded muslims you can come across. I am non-religious but respect their religion because it is in its core, peaceful. That is also why the autocratic Erdogan government fears of it spreading. It is harder to divide people if they don't have hate in their hearts and Erdogan hates it.

[@ferashijazi9922]

Alevisim and Bektaşism can offer the answer for a reformed secular and humanist Islam that is immune to fanaticism and violence. It will meet the spiritual and personal religion needs of the spiritually inclined Muslims who do not want to leave Islam. This idea has real merit.

[@K.M.I]

Interesting news, world is change rapidly I see.

[@Julia-Richter]

Interesting! Thank you!

[@minded8929]

Albanians are not Muslims, they love Israel. 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱👍👍👍

[@shaclo1512]

haha true, we love everyone except Turkey and Serbia :D

[@eaglempire_mapper]

​@@shaclo1512Greece and Serbia*

[@eaglempire_mapper]

We are mainly Muslims. We don't care that much about religion in depth, it's just a personal thing

[@ibrahimshehukorrect3949]

Thank you prof

[@evladifat6322]

The Albanians territories are divided by the "Treaty Peace of London" in 1913. Kosovo, West of N.Macedonia, Chameria, Presheva, Sanxhaku, Malesia are some Albanians territories outside todays Albania. PRIZREN LEAGUE 1878 Albanians unity after Nish gived by gonv. to russia's pup*t

[@user-uq6vh3ps7m]

Religion has always been the #1 problem between albanian peoples

[@milanvelasevic867]

I really like your videos James, but please use a contemporary map, the one you show at the beginning of the video doesn't have South Sudan nor Montenegro nor Kosovo.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

No. It was a map of the world in 2000. It wasn’t mean to be an up to date map. It was just showing the point that by the start of the 21st century the world map of 1500 had completely changed.

[@milanvelasevic867]

@@JamesKerLindsay Thanks for clarifying it, my mistake.

[@christopheredemoweiedem1925]

Watching from Nigeria

[@adamradziwill]

We Belarusians are fully supporting BEKTASHISTAN , and 2 Albanian states ! Great Project ! 2 % of Belarusians are Lipka (Litwin in Turkish ) Muslims

[@eaglempire_mapper]

That's why we have bad relations

[@AchyutChaudhary]

*If this idea does go ahead, I won’t be surprised to seeing a…* 🕉️ Hindu ‘vatican’ - Varanasi 🇮🇳 ☸️ Buddhist ‘vatican’ - Bodh Gaya 🇮🇳 🪯 Sikh ‘vatican’ - Amritsar 🇮🇳 ✡️ Jewish ‘vatican’ - Jerusalem 🇮🇱

[@solsunman383]

Jewish "Vatican" could be in Tiberias instead.

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

Jain and parsi vatican??

[@karlcx]

Religious orders do not need states. A strange ridiculous antiquated idea.

[@eaglempire_mapper]

Agree as an Albanian

[@karlcx]

@ in your opinion will the Albanian parliament approve this, or reject it?

[@eaglempire_mapper]

​​​@@karlcxThe majority in the parliament would vote pro or abstention, the opposition likely to vote against. So I can't say if it will be approved or not. But I don't think this idea would go that further. I don't think it would ever be discussed in the parliament. It will remain just an idea, like many other things. In the next elections in May 2025, Edi Rama is likely to win, since the opposition is "nowhere", in the full meaning of the word. But a state formation needs many years to become reality. So by 2029, when Edi Rama will go, I don't think anything will happen.

[@lekjaku7378]

PM is stupid! States inside albania is impossibile how much is State of Albania! Rama is idiot!

[@dankosova]

No, he won't for two reasons; 1. Because we've been through enough religious nonsense throughout history. 2. WE WILL NOT ALLOW IT!

[@saimirbega9533]

The Bektashi religion is the most liberal amongst the Islamic religions and sects, they welcome man and woman to pray together, encourage education for women same as man, they also drink alcohol, and more importantly the bektashi are very patriotic to their country. I would embrace Bektashi and vote for their statehood.

[@eaglempire_mapper]

Bektashis in Albania were patriotic for ALBANIA, not for their non-existent state, remember Naim Frashëri, he was a Bektashi, extremely patriotic for Albania, part of the Albanian National Awakening and one of the people that helped to found the Albanian country. This Bektashi state is just imaginary, and will never be created. It's also against the Constitution of Albania, which says that no territory can be separated from Albania, even if it is 1m²! Other reasons: Bektashis are not endangered at all, they live in harmony with other religions in Albania, they have their world center here in Tirana, where they can spread their ideas, and there's no need for a state to do so. Why to privilege this religion over others?? Also today, no country is created for religious purposes, this mentality has gone since with the spread of nationalism in Europe in the early 1800s! A country is created for its people. And consider that in that state, there would be literally 0 people living there!

[@fazrieisa6654]

Mainstream (suuni/shia) islam does that too except for alcohol and maybe patriotic if the country was in theocratic rule

[@kodhelaj2422]

Our prime minister is out of his mind and he knows damn well that this is not going to happend

[@greendsnow]

As a Turkish, I fully support it. I hope they represent Sufism well.

[@federal_kingdom_of_illyria2023]

It will not happen it's against constitution. According to the constitution Albania is a unitary state and no territory can leave Albania.

[@andiandi007]

It will. And no territory its leaving the country. Its will not be a real state with laws military police and borders. Its just a small place for all the bektashi people in the world to gather and celebrate like vatikan or makkah becouse they dont have a world holy place like others. Its more for turist attractions

[@eaglempire_mapper]

​@@andiandi007It isn't like you say. The Vatican is a state and separated from Italy, with its own passports. The same is the idea of the Bektashi state. Why are Albanians forgetting the Albanian nation, but focusing on religion...

[@serpilozugurlu8812]

thank you professor, today every thing includes political interests, I don't know much about what^s going on, now Ilearned a little bit with your help, but I live in Turkey and I always loved Bektaşis I listened too much very clever stories about them, Iwould like to live in a world which they ruled, excuse me because of my English, and I thank you one more time

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much for the comment! (And no apologies needed! It was great.) They are a fascinating group.

[@rilindshehu96]

Rama selling out again, huh?

[@BullaaleMC]

Political leaders will never fail to surprise us. What a joke idea.

[@AfrimHaliti-jz1iv]

Albania 🇦🇱 kosova. Allahu ekber

[@wogone498]

I just started watching your videos on balkan history, some of your maps you show in your videos are wrong, one main example you haven't showed Sandzak Bosna, sandzak has a long history in the balkans and a big historical factor to the bosnian people, its a shame that people dont acknowledge it and show its history, its sad as a bosnian my self that i notice that people try to make bosnia look new and small but actually its rich in its history, and i believe that whole of europe and balkan is against bosnians even before and after becoming mostly muslim, like one factor like to point out bosnia is older than a lot nations before bosnia was bosna we used call our selves Bassanian, alot of people dont know that but its not the people fault, but either way im proud to be bosnian beacuse for many many years we had problems with the catholic west and the orthodox east of Europe, and we still survived, Hajmo Bosna

[@paxtun-k8o]

You're doing a fantastic job! I need some advice: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). Could you explain how to move them to Binance?

[@Yannickille]

@@paxtun-k8o transfer

[@amstatistic5603]

Our prime minister should be convicted with life in prison for high treason according to our criminal code for people who threaten the territorial integrity of our country. This is a high treason at is purest form, very damaging for our Albanian brothers in Kosovo and dangerous precedent for the integrity of our country since the minority regions can ask the same.

[@peaceb4]

As should Netanyahu too and not just for his alleged war Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity but for the huge number of corruption charges that should have already been dealt with only his stunning election victory got in the way of his trial and likely imprisonment!

[@amstatistic5603]

@@peaceb4 what does what you said has to do with this video and my comment

[@iclaammedia6688]

Thanks

[@mirianakovachevic748]

I live in Montenegro which has Albanian minority and we learn about minorities and neighbouring countries at school. This sect was never mentioned in our curriculum. Since everything is political I now think it must have been avoided with purpose.

[@eaglempire_mapper]

Actually this sect is spread in central-southern Albanian population, not in the north, so it's quite normal

[@thomasbootham2707]

Hey James could you do a video on whether you think the uk will economically move closer to the USA post brexit maybe even join the usmca trade bloc or do you think the uk will eventually rejoin the European Union?

[@joshuawells835]

When I heard about this, my question was would the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order seek full UN membership or become an observer state alongside Vatican City and Palestine. What do you think about UN membership/observer status for the Bektashi Order?

[@2457lsrbija]

PEACE POZZ IZ VOJVODINA REPUBLIKA! SWEET HOME BEKTASHISTAN HAHA!

[@fabiocami2899]

Your data is not from the last census of 2021. The population of Albania now is 2.4 million and the percentages of faith is different now.

[@roddychristodoulou9111]

This comes across as a strange and peculiar proposal . No discussion or debate has ever been done on the matter and Rama came out with this proposal in September and took everyone by surprise . I see this as more of a gimmick or a ploy which may have a hidden agenda . It hardly seems worth it when you consider the size of this new state and I believe they'll be too much disagreements within Albania and struggle to ever materialize .

[@kaanaydinofficial]

Serbs, Albanians, Bosniaks, Kosavalis, Macedonians, Greeks, Bulgarians, Thracians are separate nationalities, they are all Balkan peoples. There were Roman, Byzantine and Turkish principalities in Anatolia. The Seljuks lived together with the Asian Hun Turkic peoples from Asia, the founders of the Ottoman Empire. They became relatives. There are those related to their shared history. Universal. There is a Balkan culture. Turks love Albanians very much, there are millions of Turkified Balkan people in Anatolia. After the Ottoman Empire, the Turks established a Republic for themselves. After the Balkan countries established their own Republics, the Balkan countries fought each other for a long time. The USA and Nato brought freedom to the Balkans.

[@chriscolley2229]

Quite facinating Professor .

[@Patriotic-Indian47]

I'm from india, being a Muslim, i know sufi sect, but i am hearing this sect for first time.

[@Larzh220469]

Highly interesting content. I don't think we should refer to entities like the Vatican City State and the proposed Bekhtashi State as "countries", though. They may be considered sovereign states, although even here I wonder if the population criterion in the declarative theory of statehood is met in these cases. Does "permanent population" mean the mere precence of human beings on the territory - or do these human beings need "to be fruitful and mulitply" in order to be considered as such? Anyway, if Albania and the Bektashi Order decide to go ahead with this, the Lateran Treaty between Italy and the Holy See from 1929 provides ample precedence.

[@peaceb4]

Meanwhile Israel's Temple on the Mount Faithful and fundamentalists hopes of building a Temple where the Al Aqsa and Rock of Dome mosques now stand which they believe will force the coming of "their" Messiah, the end of times and leave whatever may be left oof Humanity looking to Israel for spiritual leadership!

[@nsk660]

This is just for business stuffs . It will gather more tourists and possibly increase the balkans connectivity with MENA and Southeast Asia 😮 this plan can be masterpiece considering that any other leader of different country could have come up with it

[@mariovladimirozuni]

U know nothing about Albania. THIS IS A. DANGEROUS YET LUCKILY IMPOSSIBLE IDEA. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

[@AMEurope333]

NATO caliphate whose purpose is the religious separation of Balkan Muslims from the original Islam from the Middle East. It is possible that Turkey is also in the game.

[@Duchyofnovgorod]

Sir, will this new country bring a new change and make Albania as the leader of Muslims of Europe.

[@issith7340]

The kingdom of corruption, will have another kingdom of corruption inside it.

[@aureliogj7966]

Edi Rama regardless of whether we agree or not with his politics is one of the most talented European politicians of the recent times. The danger is that he is starting to believe his own hype.

[@theoneandonlysoslappy]

I might've missed it in the video: has Ankara said anything?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

No, not as yet. Or at least I have many seen anything. I don’t think they’ll be very happy about this idea.

[@theoneandonlysoslappy]

​@@JamesKerLindsayThanks, professor

[@MrMafioso_1]

Albania is now a majority Christian nation; 55% Christian, 45% Muslim. Bekteshi Shiite Islam is now only 5% total because most of the Bekteshi Albanians converted to Orthodox Christianity.

[@janetmontgomery-r6j]

I think it's quite a reasonable idea... Based on the really important values of all welcome and no persecutions and working for peace. Cooperation. Understanding. Good relations.

[@Medieval_Arpad_cooks]

Nevermind the Vatican - what about the Order of Malta?

[@gj7710]

3:05 How come you haven't done your research?! There are 45% Muslim and 5% Bektashi ...there is a maximum of 50% Muslim people in Albania according to the last census... and followers are much less.

[@AliHassan-hb1bn]

Who decides what may happen ?

[@davidcope5736]

the map at 1:11 is interesting, the Kingdom of England being labelled as "Britain" and the Kingdom of Scotland apparently being non-existent circa 1500 ce?

[@iany2448]

Presumably Bektashi is much smaller and less influential than Ismailism in Islamic world. It sounds like further balkanization within an already balkanized region.

[@Nahasapasa]

Damn, the Vatican City really has a lot to answer for

[@astraydhurion7697]

Shouldn't Albania be concerned about unwillingly attracking a massive Alevi immigration from Turkey?

[@Shift-l6v]

Never heard of it

[@euphoriaggaminghd]

Not really, they won't be able to live here too easy either