Bektashi

The Bektashi order is a Sufi Dervish order which has evolved into a religious sect. It was founded in the 13th century by a Persian Hajji Bektash Wali. However it reached its definitive form in Turkey the 16th century. The Bektashi are an "extremist" Shia order. The Shia hero Ali and the Prophet Muhammad are elevated to the same level and form a trinity along with Allah. In the Balkans certain Christian practices were adopted: confessions were given and bread was ritually shared. Women take part in rituals along side men; and wine although considered haram by most Muslims is often used. The Bektashi order found nearly all of its support in Turkey and the Balkans especially Albania. However the Bektashi were important beyond their numbers because they dominated the Janissaries. In 1925 when Kemal Atatürk banned all Sufi orders in Turkey most of the Bektasi leadership moved from Turkey to Albania and set up headquarters in Tirana. However these headquarters were shut down in 1967 when the Albanian government banned all religion. By this time however Bektashi had evolved from an order into a sect. Approximately 20% of Albanians are Bektashi. Several important poets are considered to have been Bektashi, such as Yunus Emre; however the number is probably somewhat exaggerated. It is unlikely for example that Ismail I was a Bektashi.