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Islam in Albania facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Albania is a country in Europe with a long and interesting history. For many years, it was part of the Ottoman Empire, a large and powerful empire. During this time, most people in Albania followed the Muslim faith, especially the Sunni and Bektashi branches.

Religion in Albania

Religion has played a big role in Albania's past. After the Ottoman Empire, Albania went through a period of state atheism. This meant the government tried to stop people from practicing any religion. This period ended in 1991.

A Look Back: Ottoman Times

When Albania was part of the Ottoman Empire, Islam became the main religion for many people. Two important groups within Islam in Albania were the Sunni Muslims and the Bektashi Muslims. The Bektashi are a special kind of Sufi order, which is a mystical branch of Islam.

Changes After 1991

After 1991, when state atheism ended, people in Albania were free to practice their religions again. This led to a return of religious life for many. Today, a large number of Albanians identify as Muslim. A study showed that about 79.9% of people in Albania are Muslim.

Different Faiths, One Nation

Even though many Albanians are Muslim, there are also other religious groups, like Christians. Albania is known for its good relationships between different faiths. Leaders from various religions often work together to promote peace and understanding. This shows how people of different beliefs can live together in harmony.

Images for kids

  • 1A1182101 283348VIII008 (15246932635)

    Sunni and Bektashi Shia clergymen alongside Albanian patriots holding an Albanian flag in 1914

  • 28nentor

    Ismail Qemali on the first anniversary of the session of the Assembly of Vlorë which proclaimed the Independence of Albania.

  • Qendra Botërore Bektashiane

    World Headquarters of the Bektashi Community in Tirana.

  • Türkischer Friedhof, Tirana. (BildID 15573512)

    Former Sulejman Pasha Mosque and Muslim graveyard of Tiranë destroyed during World War Two and its minaret in 1967

  • Great-Mosque-of-Tirana-2018

    Great Mosque of Tiranë under construction, August 2018

  • Tempulli i bektashinjve ne vlore

    Bektashi teqe in Vlorë.

  • Albania majority religion 2011 census

    (2011 census)

  • AlbaniaTraditionalCommunitiesByLanguageAndReligion

    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).

  • Marche Charlie Hebdo Paris 02

    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.

  • Kalaja në Qytetin e Durrësit 07

    Great Mosque of Durrës built in 1931

  • Xhamia Ebubeker - Shkodër F

    Ebu Beker Mosque in Shkodër

  • Përmet – Gur i Qytetit, mosque i Vjosa zoom 02

    Mosque in Përmet

  • Kanina neue Moschee

    New Mosque in Kaninë

  • Gjirokastër Festung - Bektaschi-Grab 1 Eingang

    Sufi tyrbe within citadel of Gjirokastër.

  • Gjirokastër Festung - Bektaschi-Grab 4 Innenraum

    Interior of Gjirokastër tyrbe shrine with Sufi saints tombs.

  • Tekke of Abaz Aliu, Mount Tomorr - Mapillary (DASwbhxkRx5Rsq-2jKwJpA)

    Abaz Ali teqe on Mount Tomorr.

  • Bektashi Tekke at Mount Tomorr - Mapillary (CnvmU7hfOSibcdQ9bZ79ew)

    Pilgrims at Abaz Ali teqe on Mount Tomorr.

  • Ramadan banner in Shkodra

    Banner hailing fasting month of Ramadan, Shkodër.

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