Bektashi Order - Poetry and Literature

Poetry and Literature

Poetry plays an important role in the transmission of Bektashi spirituality. Several important Ottoman-era poets were Bektashis, and Yunus Emre, the most acclaimed poet of the Turkish language, is generally recognized as a subscriber to the Bektashi order.

A poem from Bektashi poet Balım Sultan (died 922 AH/1516 CE):

"İstivayı özler gözüm,

Seb'al-mesânîdir yüzüm,

Ene'l-Hakk'ı söyler sözüm,

Miracımız dardır bizim,

Haber aldık muhkemattan,

Geçmeyiz zâttan sıfattan,

Balım nihan söyler Hakk'tan,

İrşâdımız sırdır bizim."

"My eye seeks out repose;

my face is the 'oft repeated seven (i.e. the Sura Al-Fatiha).

My words proclaim 'I am the Truth';

Our ascension is (by means of) the scaffold.

We have become aware through the 'firm letters';

We will not abandon essence or attributes.

Balim speaks arcanely of God;

Our teaching is a mystery."