Poverty and the Search for Paradise
The writer observed that many dervishes claimed to live in poverty because they believed it was the best way to reach the happiness of Paradise. They gave up worldly wealth and chose a simple life devoted to religion. According to their beliefs, living without riches helped them become closer to God and prepared them for the next life.
However, the author believed that their poverty was not always accompanied by discipline or good order. During visits to several tekkes (dervish monasteries), especially those located far from large cities, he noticed that many of the buildings were untidy and poorly maintained. The rooms were often left in disorder, and there seemed to be little concern for cleanliness or organization. In the writer’s opinion, this reflected not only poverty but also laziness and neglect.
A Comparison with Christian Monasteries
The author compared the dervishes with Capuchin monks, a Catholic religious order. He admired the Capuchins because, although they also lived in poverty, they kept their monasteries clean, well organized, and peaceful. They devoted their time to prayer, gardening, and caring for their surroundings Private Balkan Trip.
According to the writer, the Capuchins showed that poverty could be accompanied by dignity and hard work. Their simple way of life demonstrated that happiness does not come from owning great wealth. Instead, they believed that a modest life, free from the worries of managing money and possessions, brought greater peace and satisfaction than the endless pursuit of riches.
Decorations Around the Tombs
The author also commented on the decorations he saw in the tekkes. Around the tombs of respected saints and in the monastery gardens, he noticed ornaments that he considered strange and unnecessary. These included strings of beads, animal horns, ribbons, and pieces of colorful tinsel placed on graves or hanging from gates and doorways.
To the author, these decorations appeared unusual and even foolish. He believed they reflected an overly imaginative form of religious devotion rather than true spirituality. His description shows that he viewed these customs through the eyes of a foreign visitor and judged them according to his own religious and cultural traditions.
The Author’s Opinion
Throughout this passage, the author expresses strong personal opinions about the dervishes and their way of life. His comments are critical rather than neutral, and they reveal the attitudes held by some European travelers during the seventeenth century. While he admired the dervishes’ commitment to poverty, he believed they failed to combine it with cleanliness, order, and practical discipline.
Modern readers should remember that this account reflects one individual’s observations and personal beliefs rather than an objective description of all dervish communities. Many Ottoman tekkes were respected centers of learning, charity, music, and spiritual guidance, and their appearance and practices varied greatly from one order to another.