مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - AN EXAMPLE FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF BEKTASHI AND HALVETI ON ISLAMISATION OF MACEDONIA: BEKTASHI AND HALVETI DERVISH TEKKES IN KIRCOVA

Abstract :

Macedonia, which constitutes the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, remained under the belief developed in the direction of east and west and socio-cultural sphere of the influence which formed within this context thanks to its position. Blended between two opposite poles, Macedonian lands and communities merged with Islam notably after the Ottoman conquest of the region. A high level atmosphere of tolerance was established in the Balkans, with Turks brought from Anatolia to the region and relocated with a specific settlement policy and with their understanding of Islam. The provision of the merging ground, which developed between the Christians who lived there for a very long time and the Muslims who came to the Balkans afterwards, came from Islamic mysticism and humanity which lies within the foundations of this understanding. An Islamic culture also emanated in the Balkans whose influence was clearly seen and continued its presence for long years along with the religious orders founded in humanity, patience and tolerance. The purpose of our study is to present the influence of mysticism and religious orders with lodge culture moving in this direction, in the diffusion of Islam in the Balkans and its embracement and assimilation by wide communities, particularly over the city of Kırcova.