World Headquarters of the Bektashi, Tirana

The World Headquarters of the Bektashi, also known as the Bektashi World Center, serves as the global hub for the Bektashi Order, a branch of Sufism. Alongside its administrative functions, the center houses a museum, library, and archives.

Originally, the primary seat of the Bektashi Order was located at the Haji Bektash Veli Complex in Hacıbektaş, Turkey. However, with the secularization policies of Turkey in 1925, all dervish orders were banned, leading to the displacement of the Bektashi community to Albania. Consequently, the administrative center shifted to Tirana.

In 1930, under the leadership of Sali Njazi, the first Dedebaba (spiritual leader) of the Bektashi Order, the World Headquarters of the Bektashi was established in Tirana. Though initially planned for Melçan, Korça, the headquarters were eventually constructed in Tirana and completed in 1941 during the Italian occupation of Albania.

However, in 1967, during the regime of Enver Hoxha, all religious organizations were shut down, including the Bektashi World Headquarters. It wasn't until January 27, 1991, that efforts to revive the Bektashi community began with the establishment of a temporary committee in Tirana. Subsequently, the World Headquarters was officially reopened on March 22, 1991, coinciding with Sultan Nevruz.

The archives within the center hold a wealth of historic documents spanning multiple languages such as Albanian, Arabic, Ottoman Turkish, English, French, and Italian. These documents date as far back as 1847. Additionally, the archives feature photograph collections, audio tapes, and microfilms, including rare recordings of Bektashi musical traditions.