Bektashi

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Bektashism is an Islamic Sufi order (tariqat), considered to be a distinct branch of Twelver Shi'a Islam. It was founded in the 13th century by the Islamic saint Hajji Bektash Wali. The Bektashi order was greatly influenced during its formative period by both the Hurufi missionary Ali al-'Ala (15th century) as well as the Qalandariyah Sufi movement, which took on many forms in 13th century Anatolia. The order was reorganized by Balim Sultan in the 16th century. The veneration of Imam Ali is central to Bektashi faith, common with Alevi Shi'a and Twelver Shi'as. Bektashism is considered to have blended a number of Shi'a and Sufi concepts, although the order contains rituals and doctrines that are distinct unto itself. Bektashis have always had wide appeal and influence among both the Ottoman intellectual elite as well as the peasantry. Bektashism and Alevism are closely related in terms of both philosophy and culture. In present-day Turkey, they are generally regarded as parts of an integrated Alevi-Bektashi culture.... Mehr