The Bektashi Order, Sufism, and Shī’īsm in the Work of Baba Rexheb, a Bektashi Sufi of 20th Century

Year 2021, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 51 - 74, 30.06.2021

Seyedamirhossein Asghari

https://doi.org/10.48203/siader.799560

Abstract

The Bektashi order is known for its Shī’ī roots. However, there are contradictory interpretations in determining the origins or teachings of the Bektashi order. This paper studies the Bektashi order focusing on Mysticizma Islame dhe Bektashizma by Baba Rexheb (1901-1995). I argue that his work plays a vital role in explaining traditional Bektashi
thought and its transition to the modern era. This paper attempts to illustrate the Bektashi order’s pertinence to Sufism and Shī’ī Islam through his work. Albert Doja (2006) and Yuri Stoyanov (2012) have criticized Mysticizma Islame dhe Bektashizma for attempting to “drastically change the Bektashi Order” or “what they can manage to do with their
ideological schemes when their prestige is at stake”. This paper will access those claims by considering Baba Rexheb’s works, and the account of his life portrayed in The Sufi Journey of Baba Rexheb (2009) and other resources. In what continues, it tries to explain that those modern claims in discrediting Baba Rexheb’s work are historically unlikely.

Keywords

The Bektashi Order,, Bektashi Creeds, Shī’īsm, Baba Rexheb,, Sufism,

20. Asrın Bektaşi Sûfîsi Baba Receb'in Çalışmalarında Sûfîlik, Şiîlik ve Bektaşi Tarikatı

Abstract

Bektaşi tarikatı Şiî kökleriyle tanınır. Ancak Bektaşi tarikatının kökenleri veya öğretilerini tespit etme noktasında çelişkili iddialar söz konusudur. Bu makale Bektaşi tarikatını, Baba Receb'in (1901-1995) Mysticizma Islame dhe Bektashizma isimli eserini merkeze alarak incelemektedir. Bana göre onun bu çalışması geleneksel Bektaşi anlayışını açıklamada ve bu anlayışın modern döneme uyumlu hale getirilmesinde hayati role sahiptir. Bu makâlede, onun bu eseri üzerinden Şiîlikle tasavvufun uyumu noktasında Bektaşi tarikatının örnekliği üzerinde durulmaktadır. Albert Doja (2006) ve Yuri Stoyanov (2012) Mysticizma Islame dhe Bektashizma’yı “Bektaşi tarikatında köklü değişim” veya “prestijleri tehlike altında olduğunda insanların fikri duruşlarında ne tür dönüşümlere başvuracakları” noktasında ele almışlardır. Bu makalede, Baba Receb'in kendi eserleri, The Sufi Journey of Baba Rexheb (2009) ve diğer kaynaklardaki hayatıyla ilgili bilgileri temel alınarak söz konusu iddialar incelenecektir. Devamında Baba Receb’in çalışmasının itibarını sarsan bu modern iddiaların tarihsel olarak temelsiz olduğu kanıtlanmaya çalışılacaktır.

Keywords

Bektaşi Tarikatı, Bektaşiliğin Kökenleri, Şiîlik, Baba Receb, Sûfîlik

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