Is Bektashism becoming a tool of Israel against Islam, Iran, and Turkey in the balkans?

Jazexhiu, Olsi (2025) Is Bektashism becoming a tool of Israel against Islam, Iran, and Turkey in the balkans? The Long View Quarterly Magazine, 7 (1). pp. 6-10. ISSN 26323168

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Abstract

This article examines the evolving role of Bektashism in Albania, particularly its alignment with Israel and its implications for relations with the Islamic world, Iran, and Turkey. It explores how Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, in collaboration with Bektashi leader Baba Edmond Brahimaj (Baba Mondi), has pursued policies that distance the Bektashis from its traditional Islamic institutions while fostering closer ties with Israel. The article highlights key events, such as the establishment of a Bektashi state in Tirana, the hosting of the Iranian Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK) organization, and the expulsion of Iran’s diplomatic mission, as part of a broader strategy to align Albania with Israeli and U.S. interests. It also discusses the persecution of Sunni and Shia Muslims in Albania, the influence of Gülenists in the Albanian Muslim Community, and the Bektashi sect’s shift from Iranian-version of Shia Islam to a pro-Israeli stance. The article argues that these developments reflect a deliberate effort to create a "Shia-Zionist" Islam that serves Israeli geopolitical goals, while isolating the Bektashis from the broader Muslim world. Critics, including Turkish and Albanian analysts, view the Bektashi state project as a tool of Israeli influence aimed at dividing Muslim unity and countering Iran’s regional influence. The article concludes by questioning whether Bektashism is being weaponized as a political instrument against Islam, Iran, and Turkey in the Balkans.

Item Type:	Article (Magazine)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bektashism, Albania, Israel, Iran, Turkey, Edi Rama, Baba Edmond Brahimaj, Shia Islam, Sunni Islam, Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK), Gülenists, Islamic world, the Balkans
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP188.16 Wasatiyyah. Moderation In Islam J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > JN101 Great Britain
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of History & Civilization
Depositing User:	Dr. Olsi Jazexhiu
Date Deposited:	11 May 2025 12:29
Last Modified:	11 May 2025 12:29
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/120946

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