Who Is Called "bektashi"?: a Historical Analysis on the Content and Boundaries of the Term

Abstract

The problem of terminology in the Alevi-Bektashi studies is still unsolved. Before all, the terms "Alevi" and "Bektashi" are not clearly defined. It has been long, scholars do not abstain from using these terms with a rather broad meaning with vague boundaries. In such usages, the terms include several unharmonious socio-religious groups which are dissimilar in many aspects, and attain such a vast content that they become meaningless indeed. This article aims to make a humble start to contribute to the solution of this terminology problem in Alevi-Bektashi studies. For this, it brings a critical approach to the term "Bektashi". Focusing on the content and boundaries of the term, it is aimed to identify homogenous sub-groups within the community which is labeled as "Bektashi". The article argues that in its modern usage, the term "Bektashi" includes three interrelated but different socio-religious subgroups. Although these three sub-groups show considerable affinity in terms of both religion and culture, they can by no means be regarded as identical. This work endeavors to identify similarities and differences of these three sub-groups within the greater Bektashi community through examining the history of the Order. In doing so, it aims to clarify the content and limits of the meaning of "Bektashi".