During the Ottoman rule, the majority of Albanians were of Muslim affiliation (Sunni and Bektashi). However, decades of state atheism which ended in 1991 brought a decline in religious practice in all traditions.
A recent Pew Research Center demographic study put the percentage of Muslims in Albania at 79.9%.
Images for kids
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Sunni and Bektashi Shia clergymen alongside Albanian patriots holding an Albanian flag in 1914
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Ismail Qemali on the first anniversary of the session of the Assembly of Vlorë which proclaimed the Independence of Albania.
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Former Sulejman Pasha Mosque and Muslim graveyard of Tiranë destroyed during World War Two and its minaret in 1967
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Great Mosque of Tiranë under construction, August 2018
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Religious and linguistic map of Albania. The Muslim population is as follows: Albanian Sunni (cherry red), Bektashi (burgundy) and other Sufi (crimson red); Macedonian speakers (Kelly green), Gorani (forest green); Bosniaks (jade green) and Romani (purple).
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The leaders of Albania's four main denominations in Paris, France, in a demonstration for interfaith harmony, after the Charlie Hebdo attacks from 2015. From left to right: Sunni, Orthodox, Bektashi, and Catholic.
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Great Mosque of Durrës built in 1931
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Sufi tyrbe within citadel of Gjirokastër.
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Interior of Gjirokastër tyrbe shrine with Sufi saints tombs.
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Abaz Ali teqe on Mount Tomorr.
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Pilgrims at Abaz Ali teqe on Mount Tomorr.
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Banner hailing fasting month of Ramadan, Shkodër.