The Bektashis belong to the broad stream of Islamic mysticism, Sufism, which expanded the scope of Sunni Muslim worldview and deepened the religious experience of the Islamic world. Following the Muslim tradition of Ali, the founder adopted several views that exist outside of classical Islamic teachings.

The community that was later formed flourished greatly in various regions of the Ottoman Empire and particularly influenced a significant portion of Albanians. Within its ranks grew well-known figures such as Ali Pasha and the Frashëri brothers. The Bektashis played an important role in the struggles for the independence and progress of Albania and were distinguished for their liberal spirit and disposition towards religious tolerance.

After the prohibition of the functioning of 'tariqas' (Sufi brotherhoods) in Turkey, imposed by the Kemalist regime, the administrative center of the Bektashis was moved to Tirana. The Bektashis constitute one of the four major traditional religious communities in Albania. During the long-term religious persecution imposed on Albania by the Hoxha regime, the Bektashis - like all religious communities in the country - were persecuted and dissolved.

After the restoration of religious freedom and with the mobilization of their own forces, they were quickly reorganized and now provide a valuable contribution. With their tolerance, mildness, and broad outlook, they play a decisive role in fostering an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among religious communities.

Athina Ch. Florou, who began her work within the framework of the master's program in the field of Religious Studies and Sociology at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens, diligently utilized the existing literature, carefully searched for the available material offered by the contemporary Bektashi community of Albania, and critically and soberly processed it.

This work provides the wider reading public with responsible information on a fundamental aspect of religiosity, which significantly affects the Albanian population and notable communities in other countries, and generally contributes to a better understanding of one aspect of the Sufi movement.

This mystical stream, which developed within Islam, exalted inner purity over flawless outward behavior, moral freedom over formal submission, personal life over social conformity, and had a significant influence on religious life, poetry, and politics.