BEKTESHI Meaning and
Definition
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Bekteshi is a term that refers to a religious and socio-cultural community associated with the Bektashi Order in Islam. The term is derived from the name of the Bektashi order and is often used to describe the followers and adherents of this order.
The Bektashi Order is a Sufi Islamic dervish order that originated in Anatolia, Turkey, and spread throughout the Ottoman Empire and Balkans. The teachings and practices of this order combine elements of Shia Islam, Sufism, and folk traditions, creating a unique and distinct set of beliefs and rituals.
Within the Bektashi community, individuals who follow the Bektashi teachings and engage in the practices prescribed by the order are often referred to as Bekteshi. They are dedicated to living a spiritual and ethical life, with a strong emphasis on love, unity, and tolerance.
Bekteshi individuals typically participate in various rituals and ceremonies, including communal prayers, dhikr (remembrance of God), and gatherings where the life and teachings of the order's founder, Haji Bektash Veli, are celebrated and studied. The Bektashi community places great value on knowledge, music, poetry, and dance as tools for spiritual enlightenment and expression.
Furthermore, Bekteshi followers are known for their embracement of diversity and inclusivity, promoting social harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Overall, the term "Bekteshi" refers to the members of the religious and cultural community who follow the Bektashi Order, its teachings, and practices.
Etymology of BEKTESHI
The word "bekteshi" is derived from the Turkish term "Bektaşi", which refers to a Sufi order within Islam. The Bektaşi order originated in the 13th century and is named after its founder, Haji Bektash Veli, a renowned Sufi saint. The term "Bektaşi" is a combination of "bek", meaning "elder" or "senior", and "taş", meaning "stone" in Turkish. This combination signifies the spiritual authority and wisdom associated with the elders of the Bektaşi order. Over time, various forms of the term "Bektaşi" have been used, including "Bektashi", "Bektashism", and "Bekteshi". The word "bekteshi" specifically refers to someone belonging to the Bektaşi spiritual order.
