Bektashi Other

Bektashi
Arabic: bektāshī
Turkish: bektaşılik
Contents
Sufi order (tariqa), classified as part of Shi'i Islam.
1. Theology
Bektashi is mainly present in Turkey, and also in
2. Rituals
Albania. Bektashi is in Turkey closely linked 3. History
to Alevism where the two traditions today often are
considered as one orientation. In Albania, Bektashism
has developed into a distinct orientation, without
links to Alevism or any other Muslim branch.
The head of the Turkish branch of Bektashism is
Mustafa Eke Dedebaba
The Bektashis claim that the teachings of 13th century
Hajj Bektash Wali represent the foundation for their
belief and cult system. According to few historical
data available, he himself was just a follower of the
Sufi shaykh, Ahmad Yasawi and sent to Turkey to
spread the Yasawi version of Sufism. Bektashi legends
teach that he was a man of unique, almost divine
Bektashi headquarters, Tirana, Albania.
qualities.
The actual form of their order was set down much later,
in the 16th century, but there is no reason to doubt its historical background with Hajj
Bektash Wali.
Bektashi poets from the Ottoman era have become among the most popular in Turkish
language, including Yunus Emre.
Theology
The veneration of Ali is central to Bektashism. They rank him into a trinity with God and
Muhammad, known as wahdat al-wujud, the "Unity of Being".
Bektashi teach about the 4 gates to higher knowledge, the lowest being Sharia, the
highest named Haqiqa.
There is also the belief that the Koran may be read, or understood, at two levels. The
first is the literal meaning of the Koran, the second is the inner, the mystical meaning, the
meaning containing the ultimate truth.
There is no written doctrine in Bektashi, what is known is taught from one teacher to
another. There may be great differences in the understanding of rules and rituals within
Bektashi.
Rituals
Their rituals traditionally follow patterns very different from mainstream Islam, and dancing
and drinking of wine have been central, with women participating at the same level as men.
Even some Christian rituals, like the sharing of bread, muhabbet, and confession of
sins, magfirat-i zunub have become part of their system.
The Bektashi gathered in ceremonial centres known in Turkey as tekke. In modern
Turkey they have all been closed or converted into mosques, then serving the Alevis.
The Hacibektas tekke was originally the main tekke of the Bektashi, but serves now as a
museum. But still it is the centre of a large festival, staged every August.
There are a number of other festivals or rituals with the Bektashi. Ashura is celebrated
marking the Battle of Karbala. Noruz, the old Persian new year celebration, has been turned
into a celebration of Ali's birthday.
For individuals working on passing the stages, or gates, of Bektashi Sufism, there are
also rituals. A member on the first level is called asik; anyone accepting Bektashi personally
becomes an asik. There is no initiation before entering the second level, when the member
becomes a mühip. The third level member is called dervish, which one becomes after taking
vows. The fourth level is the highest, and is for local leaders known as baba. Still, among
the baba a higher level is found: the 12 leaders of the Bektashi, known as halife-
baba or dede. The single leader of the Bektashi is called dedebaba.
History
13th century: Hajj Bektash Wali is sent by Ahmad Yasawi, leader of the Yasawi Sufis, to
teach their ideas of Islam in Anatolia.
Early 15th century: Ali al-Ala, leader of the Hurufi sect, flees to the Ottoman Empire, and
comes to exercise much influence on the Bektashi theology.
15th century: Becomes the favoured religious community with the Janissary corps.
16th century: Balim Sultan sets down the principles of Bektashi theology and rituals.
1826: The Janissaries are dissolved, reducing the strong position of the Bektashi, but far
from removing it from the Ottoman society. Still, their tekkes were closed and many of their
leaders were forced into exile.
1925: All Sufi orders are dissolved in the new republic of Turkey, and the Bektashi
leadership moves to Albania in Europe.
1967: Religions are banned in Albania, destroying the central leadership. Bektashism
continues with communities both in Turkey, Albania and Western countries.

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