(ANSA-AFP) - TIRANA, SEP 23 - Albania plans to establish a
sovereign Muslim microstate within its borders run by a Sufi
sect known for promoting "religious harmony and dialogue", Prime
Minister Edi Rama announced. The tiny Vatican-like enclave
within Albania's capital Tirana will serve as the political home
for Bektashi Muslims -- the fourth largest religious community
in Albania after Sunni Muslims, Orthodox Christians and
Catholics. The order was founded in the 13th century in the
Ottoman Empire and is regarded as a tolerant, mystic branch of
Islam open to other religions and philosophies. (ANSA-AFP).
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