World Headquarters of the Bektashi, Islamic spiritual center in eastern Tirana, Albania
The World Headquarters of the Bektashi is a complex of museum, library, and archive located on Dhimitër Kamarda Street in Tirana. The collection holds historical documents in several languages including Albanian, Arabic, Ottoman Turkish, English, French, and Italian, with records dating back to 1847.
Following religious restrictions in Turkey in 1925, the Bektashi Order transferred its international headquarters from Haxibektash to Tirana under Sali Njazi's leadership. This move marked a turning point for the order and established Tirana as the center of the global Bektashi community.
The museum displays twelve exhibition stands representing the twelve Imams that hold central importance in Bektashi spiritual life. Visitors experience how this Islamic community maintains and shares its religious traditions through these displays.
The site is accessible to visitors who wish to explore the historical documents and exhibitions on display. Plan your visit outside prayer times to have adequate space and a more comfortable experience moving through the complex.
The cemetery on the grounds holds graves of significant religious figures, underscoring the site's spiritual importance. The collection also includes rare audio recordings of Bektashi musical traditions, preserving the community's musical heritage for future generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
