Bektashi Order
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Bektashi Order is an Islamic Sufi order (tariqat) founded in the 13th century by the Islamic saint Haji Bektash Veli. In addition to the spiritual teachings of Haji Bektash Veli the order was significantly influenced during its formative period by both the Hurufis (early 15th century) as well as the Qalandariyah stream within Sufism, which took many forms in 13th century Anatolia. The mystical practices and rituals of the Bektashi order were systematized and structured by Balim Sultan in the 16th century after which many of the order's distinct practices and beliefs took shape.
A good number of academics consider Bektashism to have fused a number of Sunni, Shi'a and Sufi concepts, although the order contains rituals and doctrines that are distinct unto itself. Throughout its history Bektashis have always had wide appeal and influence among both the Ottoman intellectual elite as well as the peasantry.
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