One of the more subtle and unusual sects among the Janissaries is called the Bektafi, named after a leader called Recktafi. This sect seems unusual for such a group because it deals with very deep and philosophical ideas about God, which may be hard for ordinary soldiers to understand.
Origins and Names
The Bektafi sect is said to have started during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Some writers call them Zerancharts, meaning those who engage in secret and improper practices. The common people call them “Chumfconduren” or “extinguishers of the candle”, referring to their mysterious and unconventional habits. Despite these names, they follow the law of Muhammad in religious worship but add their own superstitions and interpretations.
Beliefs About God
The Bektafi have very strict beliefs about the nature of God. They consider it wrong to say that God has specific attributes, such as being “great” or “merciful.” Their reasoning is that God’s nature is infinite and beyond human understanding, so humans cannot attach ordinary descriptions to Him. They believe that any attempt to define God’s qualities limits His true essence Istanbul Tour Guides.
Famous Figures and Controversies
Among the Bektafi, there was a well-known poet named Nemisi, who was executed for his ideas. He argued that when the Imam calls people to prayer with the words “Allah is one,” it is wrong to attribute any qualities to God, because the divine essence cannot be described in human terms. This idea was seen as too radical and dangerous at the time.
Influence in the Janissaries
Today, the Bektafi sect still has many important leaders among the Janissaries. They combine strict religious observance with unique philosophical and mystical ideas, making them distinct from the ordinary soldiers or other religious groups in the Ottoman Empire. Their practices and beliefs reflect a blend of devotion, mysticism, and intellectual speculation, unusual for a military order.