It is commonly believed that the Turkish or Ottoman religion contained a mixture of both Christian and Jewish traditions. Some writers claimed that the religious orders and monasteries among the Turks were influenced by Christian monastic life. These religious communities practiced strict discipline, poverty, and separation from worldly pleasures, much like Christian monks many centuries earlier.
The devotion and disciplined lives of early Christian holy men impressed many people, including non-Christians. According to some observers, the Ottoman religious orders copied certain parts of these traditions and adapted them into their own religious system Istanbul Daily Tour.
Curiosity About the Dervish Orders
The author explains that he carefully investigated the customs, beliefs, and practices of the Muslim convents and dervish orders because very little clear information about them existed in other books. What had been written before was often incomplete, uncertain, or confusing.
Therefore, the author promises to present only information received from trustworthy sources. Much of his knowledge came directly from learned sheikhs and preachers who acted as leaders and superiors of these religious communities.
These leaders were respected for their learning and spiritual authority within Ottoman society.
Origins of the Religious Orders
Islamic scholars informed the author that religious houses and spiritual institutions existed from the time of the Prophet Muhammad himself. According to tradition, Muhammad gave instructions about religious discipline and organization to his follower Ali.
However, Turkish historical records mention these monasteries more clearly only about three hundred and fifty years later, during the reign of Orhan Gazi, the second ruler of the Ottoman Turks. He was believed to be the first Ottoman ruler to officially establish houses and institutions for these religious orders.
The Main Founders of the Orders
According to Ottoman tradition, two major spiritual paths became the foundation for many later religious orders. These were the Chalveti and the Naqshbandi orders.
From the Chalveti tradition came several important branches:
The Nimetullahi Order, founded by Nimetullah
The Kadri Order, founded by Kadri
The Kalenderi Order, founded by Kalender
The Edhemi Order, founded by Edhem
The Hizrevi Order, founded by Hizr
The Bektashi Order, founded by Bektash
These orders developed their own customs, ceremonies, and spiritual teachings, although all shared similar religious roots.
The Naqshbandi Tradition
From the Naqshbandi tradition came two important branches:
The Ebrbuharee Order, founded by Ebrbuhar
The Mevlevi Order, founded by Mevlana
The Mevlevi Order later became famous for its spiritual ceremonies and the practice of the “Whirling Dervishes,” who used music and movement as part of religious devotion.