Turkey’s role in Albania has been largely positive, and Tirana should continue to see Ankara as a strategic economic and international relations partner, but to keep things in a proper context, the Albanian government should kindly ask all Turkish political leaders to avoid strong religious undertones in future visits.
Relations between Albania and Turkey are strong. A shared history has led to cultural ties that run deep. For post-communist Albania, Turkey has been there offering constant international support for causes ranging from Albania’s membership in NATO to Kosovo’s independence.
Turkey’s economic might in recent years and overall positive and significant economic investments in Albania are also to be applauded. Turkish companies, hospitals and schools have earned the respect of the Albanian people, who generally hold a positive image of Turkey.
Turkey has also been a strategic partner when it comes to relations in the region, fostering a sense of stability in the Western Balkans.
In short, Turkey has largely been a very positive force for Albania in its post-communist period, which is why the official visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was a big event for Albanians.
If the plan to double trade and economic relations pans out, it will be a great boost for the Albanian economy and welcomed by all. Cooperation in security and international relations is also a positive outcome of the meetings held.
However, the overall positive atmosphere of the visit with its implications for bilateral political and economic ties, left a sour note for many Albanians due to the strong religious undertones weaved into the agenda with two public activities relating to the construction or reconstructions of mosques.
The programs at the ceremonies featured elements that might be within the norm in the Turkish context but which left many Albanians uneasy. President Erdogan’s mix of religious piety and politics might play well to his political base in Turkey, but it is foreign to Albania, a multi-faith and deeply secular society.
In fact, it is ultimately harmful to the image of Turkey in Albania if the country is perceived through religious lenses. Religion plays no role in the political life of Albania and any attempts to introduce it have failed, because the negative connotation of the mixture of politics and religion has for most Albanians as well as due to the sensitive nature of the mixture of nationalism and religion in the region.
Of course, Albanian Muslims are thankful for a hefty grant from Turkish donors to build the Tirana Grand Mosque, a much needed complex which worshipers have been rightfully seeking for years.
However, in an ideal world, the complex should have been financed by Albanian donors and worshipers. Within the norms allowed by the Albanian constitution and laws, taxpayer money could also been used.
At the end of the day, Tirana should continue to see Ankara as a strategic economic and international relations partner, but to keep things in a proper context, the Albanian government should kindly ask Turkish political leaders to avoid such strong religious undertones in future visits.
