Faith Park is inspired by the values of the Holy Scriptures and the religious harmony that defines Albania—virtues passed down through generations. This international design competition seeks to embody these principles, reimagining “togetherness” and “shelter” in a contemporary context.
The park will provide spaces for rest, reflection, and interaction among people of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and beliefs. It will also serve as a venue for events that engage and unite communities. By emphasizing coexistence, this project will introduce a new spatial dynamic in the capital—enhancing quality of life, strengthening civic spirit, and celebrating the peace, resilience, and unity of the Albanian people in all their faiths.
Historically, Albania has been a cultural bridge between East and West, where different religious traditions have gradually intertwined. From ancient paganism to Roman Catholicism, Christian Orthodoxy, and Islam, each faith has left its mark, shaping a unique heritage of shared values and traditions. Despite challenges, Albania has preserved and strengthened these values, overcoming ideological divisions to become a place where religious tolerance, fraternity, and harmony truly flourish—a place that all can call ‘home’.
The dramatic upheavals of the 20th century plunged Albania into an era of repression, authoritarianism, and sacrifice.
During World War II, Albanians courageously resisted Nazi occupation, offering refuge to Jewish families fleeing persecution. In the decades that followed, under the harsh rule of a communist dictatorship that banned religion entirely, Albanians continued to practice their faith in secret, often at great personal risk. Through it all, they held firm to the belief that religious freedom was not just a right but an essential virtue.
After half a century of repression, Albania reclaimed its freedom—becoming a nation where every religion is welcomed, every believer protected, and faith restored as an integral part of identity. This legacy of tolerance is not just a chapter of the past; it continues to shape the country’s future. In an unprecedented step, Albania is set to establish a sovereign enclave for the Bektashi Order—a deeply rooted Sufi tradition known for its inclusivity and spiritual openness. This initiative will create a global center for interfaith dialogue and religious moderation, reinforcing Albania’s enduring commitment to harmony in diversity.
More than a political or religious act, this is a statement to the world: a nation’s strength lies in its ability to embrace all faiths, ensuring that spiritual identity serves as a force for unity rather than division.
In this spirit, Faith Park will stand as a living testament to Albania’s unwavering belief in coexistence and harmony—between humanity and nature, between individuals and the divine, and, above all, among one another. More than just a space, Faith Park will be a declaration that unity is not an abstract ideal but a defining strength. As a monument to the resilience and shared spirit of the Albanian people, it will affirm that even in times of division, hope endures, and togetherness prevails.
