Western Thrace Alevi-Bektashi leaders condemn ‘Bektashi State’ initiative in Albania
Leading figures from the Turkish Alevi-Bektashi community in Western Thrace have publicly condemned the reported efforts to establish a so-called “Bektashi State” in Albania. In a press conference held today at the Chris&Eve Hotel in Komotini (Gümülcine), community representatives expressed strong opposition to the initiative, describing it as a political and spiritual deviation from Bektashi principles.
The press conference featured statements from prominent Alevi-Bektashi figures, including Hasan Apti, Apti Pencal, and Ahmet Paşa, while the official declaration was read by Necmettin Kahya, president of the Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association. The statement was prepared in Turkish, Greek, German, Bulgarian, Macedonian, and English, and remains open for signatures.
“An Illegitimate Initiative Contrary to Bektashi Tradition”
The declaration criticized Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's earlier comments regarding the initiative and the role of Baba Mondi (Edmond Brahimaj), who is allegedly leading efforts to form a “Bektashi State” based in Tirana.
“Bektashism has never aimed to establish a state or gain political power. Such steps contradict the essence and historical practice of this faith,” the statement read.
It also questioned Baba Mondi’s religious authority, noting that according to Bektashi protocol, he has not undergone the proper initiation rites for even the rank of Halifebaba, let alone Dedebaba (supreme leader of the order). His self-declaration as “Leader of World Bektashis” is considered invalid and unfounded by the signatories.
“Political Engineering Behind a Spiritual Facade”
Leaders emphasized that any attempt to politicize Bektashism or establish transnational religious governance threatens both the integrity of the faith and regional peace.
“This is as absurd as a captain declaring himself a general without ever being a colonel,” the statement said, calling the move a manipulation serving unknown political interests.
They accused the initiative of potentially creating new tensions in countries where Alevi-Bektashi communities have peacefully lived for centuries. Any recognition of such a structure would not be binding spiritually, the statement asserted.
“Ali-Free Alevism: A Dangerous Political Project”
The declaration also warned of a broader ideological trend, particularly from European circles, attempting to present Alevism and Bektashism as non-Islamic.
“These are not innocent efforts at religious ownership but steps toward political maneuvering. The idea of ‘Ali-free Alevism’ is a trap laid by imperial powers to exploit Alevi identity.”
The statement reaffirmed that Alevi-Bektashi belief is rooted in the Islamic tradition, recognizing the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad, and Imam Ali as central figures. Any deviation from this is rejected as having no theological, historical, or scholarly basis.
“We Are United by Faith, Not Politics”
The leaders emphasized that the bonds between Alevi-Bektashis across countries—from Albania and North Macedonia to Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey—are spiritual, not political or economic.
“We have always been loyal to our countries and lived without material expectations. This attempt by Baba Mondi has no spiritual or communal legitimacy and aims to politicize our faith.”
They concluded by calling for international awareness and understanding of their position and the importance of preserving the spiritual integrity of the Bektashi path.
Signatories Include:
Post-holders, Halifebabas, and Dedes from Greece (Western Thrace), Turkey (Edirne, Eskişehir, İzmir, Istanbul), Bulgaria (Silistra, Razgrad), North Macedonia (Prilep), Germany (Munich), and Austria (Vienna), representing leading Bektashi orders such as Seyyid Ali Sultan, Dikmen Baba, Otman Baba, Seyyid Sultan Sücaattin Veli, and the Hacı Bektaş Veli Dergah.
The declaration remains open for endorsement by other clerics, disciples (dervishes), and followers (muhips) within the Bektashi hierarchy.
