Albania plans Sufi Muslim microstate within its borders

(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).