On September 21, Rama proposed that the campus of the Bektashi Order should be granted territorial sovereignty - a move that would create a religious microstate similar to Vatican City.
Referring to the tolerant version of Islam espoused by the Bektashi, Rama said: "We should take care of this treasure and never take it for granted." A moderate Muslim microstate would send a clear message to the world: "Do not let the stigma of Muslims define who Muslims are."
If the prime minister's plan is approved by Albania's parliament and the country's constitution is duly amended, the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order will comprise no more than 27 acres.
Its ruler would be the Dedebaba ("Grandfather"), the Order's spiritual head, currently Edmond Brahimaj, a 65-year-old former army officer who's known to his followers as Baba Mondi.
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