Haji Bektash Veli was an Islamic scholar, mystic, saint, sayyid, and philosopher from Khorasan who lived and taught in Anatolia. His original name was Sayyid Muhammad ibn Sayyid Ibrāhim Ātā. He is also referred to as the "Sultan of Hearts" and the "Dervish of the Dervishes".
15th century painting depicting Haji Bektash, located in Hajibektash complex
Sculpture of Haji Bektash Veli in Turkey
Haji Baktash Veli, a murid of the Malāmatī-Qalāndārī Sheikh Qutb ad-Dīn Haydar, introduced Ahmad Yasawi's doctrine of "Four Doors and Forty Standing" into his order.
Alevism, Anatolian Alevism or Qizilbashism is a heterodox and syncretic Islamic tradition, whose adherents follow the mystical Islamic teachings of Haji Bektash Veli, who is supposed to have taught the teachings of the Twelve Imams whilst incorporating some traditions from Turkish Shamanism. Differing from Sunni Islam and Usuli Twelver Shia Islam, Alevis have no binding religious dogmas, and teachings are passed on by a spiritual leader as with Sufi orders. They acknowledge the six articles of faith of Islam, but may differ regarding their interpretation.
Alevism
Haji Bektash Veli Complex
A representation of the sword of Ali, the Zulfiqar in an Ottoman emblem
A statue of Yunus Emre, who codified the theory of 'Insan-i Kamil'.
