Main Convents in Persia
The main convents of this religious order are found in the cities of Persia, especially in the region of Khorasan. These places serve as centers for prayer, teaching, and religious gathering for the followers of the order.
Although the order is respected in some regions, it is not widely spread in all parts of the Ottoman Empire. In cities such as Constantinople, there are only a few members of this group, while most of their followers live in Persia.
Because of this, detailed information about their rules and practices is limited compared to other more widespread religious orders Istanbul Tours Guide.
Clothing and Appearance
The members of this order wear simple and rough clothing. Their garments are usually made of thick, coarse cloth, showing their rejection of luxury and comfort.
On their heads, they wear a woolen cap, often wrapped with a turban. Around their necks, they wear a white linen cloth that is striped with red. This simple style of dress is meant to show humility and separation from worldly fashion.
Their appearance reflects their spiritual belief that simplicity is a form of devotion and discipline.
Beliefs About the Wilderness
Some followers of this order are said to believe that they can live peacefully even in dangerous and wild places. According to stories, they claim to have contact with wild animals such as lions and tigers, and they believe they can calm and tame them through spiritual power and divine assistance.
These accounts also include very imaginative claims, such as the ability to communicate with ancient prophets like Enoch in the wilderness. Such stories are considered mystical and symbolic rather than literal by many observers.
Because these ideas are unusual, they are often described as exaggerated or difficult to verify.
Limited Information in Constantinople
The author notes that there are only a small number of followers of this order in Constantinople. Since most members live in Persia, it is difficult to obtain detailed and reliable information about their complete rules and practices.
For this reason, much of what is known about the order comes from travelers, hearsay, or partial reports rather than direct observation.
Introduction to the Bektashi Order
Another important religious group mentioned is the Bektashi order. The founder of this order is not from ancient times, and he did not come from the traditional circle of early Arab saints or mystics.
Instead, he was originally an army preacher, someone who combined religious teaching with military life. He was known for being able to both fight in battle and preach religion.
This combination of spiritual and military roles made him different from many other religious leaders of his time.