Edmond Brahimaj (born 19 May 1959), commonly known as Baba Mondi, is an Albanian religious leader and the eighth Bektashi Dedebaba (or Kryegjysh) of the Bektashi Order. He is the leader of the Bektashi Muslims.[1][2] If the planned nation of the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order is approved, Baba Mondi will serve as the head of the country in his role as spiritual leader.[3]
Mondi | |
|---|---|
 Baba Mondi in 2017. | |
| 8th Dedebaba of Bektashism | |
| In office 11 June 2011 – present | |
| Preceded by | Reshat Bardhi |
| Personal | |
| Born | Edmond Brahimaj 19 May 1959 |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Albanian |
| School | Bektashi |
| Signature |  |
Early life
editEdmond Brahimaj was born to devout Bektashi Muslims in Vlorë, Albania. He finished middle school in Vlorë and graduated from the Military Academy. Beginning in 1982, he was an officer in the Albanian People's Army. At the beginning of 1991, he was released from his military duty. After 2 January 1992, he studied at the Dedebabalik and became a dervish on 16 May 1996.[4]
Bektashi leadership
editFollowing the death of Baba Tahir Emini, the dedelik of Tirana appointed Baba Edmond Brahimaj (Baba Mondi), formerly head of the Turan Tekke of Korçë, to oversee the Harabati baba tekke in Tetovo, North Macedonia. On 11 June 2011, Baba Edmond Brahimaj was chosen as the head of the Bektashi order by a council of Albanian Babas.[4]
In 2024, it was announced that Mondi had spoken with Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, about the creation of the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order.[3]
In an interview following the announcement, Baba Mondi stated that citizenship in the new state would be restricted to clerics and those involved in its administration, similar to the Vatican’s structure. He also expressed his belief that achieving sovereign status would strengthen the Bektashi Order and its ability to combat radical ideologies affecting both the Muslim world and the global community.[5]
The Bektashi Order expects that the international community will recognize and support its sovereignty due to its advocacy of moderate religious values. Baba Mondi emphasized that many countries, particularly those grappling with religious extremism or tensions, have a vested interest in supporting peaceful and moderate movements like the Bektashi Order. He highlighted that nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which play influential roles in the Islamic world, may see value in supporting the Order’s peaceful Sufi Shia tradition. Additionally, countries like China, facing challenges with militant Islam, could align with the Bektashi Order as a way to counter extremism without deepening divisions. The Order believes that, over time, the international community will recognize the importance of amplifying moderate voices and view the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order as a positive force for global peace, tolerance, and dialogue.[5]
References
edit- ^ Read Secret Practices of the Sufi Freemasons Online by Baron Rudolf von Sebottendorff | Books.
- ^ "Baba Mondi (one who opens doors)". Kamerades. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
- ^ a b Higgens, Andrew (21 September 2024). "Albania Is Planning a New Muslim State Inside Its Capital". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ a b Shenjtë, Selia e. "HeadFather Hajji Dede Edmond Brahimaj". Kryegjyshata Boterore Bektashiane. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
- ^ a b "Exclusive Interview with the Head Father of the Bektashi Order: A New Sovereign State for Peace and Tolerance (English version)". Shqiptarja.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 22 September 2024.