Bayrami Tariqah
Bayrami Tariqah – The Bayrami Tariqah is a Turkish Sufi order inaugurated in the fifteenth century by Hacı Bayram Veli. Adhering to the Shi’i traditions of the Twelve Imams and espousing an extreme interpretation of the doctrine of the unity of being (waḥdat al-wujūd), the Tariqah follows a distinct path within Islamic mysticism.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: طريقة بايرامي (ṭarīqah Bāyramī)
- Turkish: Bayramî Tarikatı
Historical Origins and Development
The Bayrami Tariqah traces its origins to Hacı Bayram Veli, a renowned spiritual leader in Anatolia. Through his teachings and spiritual practices, he established a unique Sufi order grounded in deep metaphysical traditions and an intimate relationship with the spiritual beliefs of the Twelve Imams of Shi’i Islam.
Beliefs and Practices
Contrary to many other Sufi orders, the Bayrami spiritual path includes:
- Rejection of Dhikr (Remembrance): Unlike other Sufi traditions that emphasize the practice of dhikr, Bayramis do not engage in it.
- Rejection of Distinctive Clothing: Followers do not wear the specialized garb often associated with other Sufi orders.
- Rejection of External Trappings: The Bayrami approach pivots away from the visible symbols and practices linked with mainstream Sufism, favoring internal and metaphysical focus.
Decline and Legacy
By the twentieth century, the Bayrami Tariqah faced near eradication due to the Turkish Republic’s crackdown and ban on Sufi practices and orders. Despite this suppression, echoes of Bayrami thought and practices have occasionally resurfaced, especially in regions of the Balkans with historical ties to Ottoman influence.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism” by Alexander Knysh
- Gain an overarching perspective on Sufism, which situates the Bayrami Tariqah within broader historical and doctrinal developments.
- “Mystical Dimensions of Islam” by Annemarie Schimmel
- Offers an extensive survey of Islamic mysticism, enriched with details relevant to understanding the Bayrami tradition.
- “The Heritage of Sufism, Volume III: Late Classical Persianate Sufism (1501-1750)” by Leonard Lewisohn
- Helps place the Bayrami Tariqah in the context of Persianate Sufism and its transformation during the relevant periods.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Bayrami Tariqah represents a unique and historically significant chapter in the annals of Sufism and Islamic history. It combines rigorous internal spirituality with a profound theological adherence to Shi’i principles, diverging in practice from other Sufi orders. Despite historical suppression, its ideas and practices continue to evoke interest and wrestle for recognition within the broader spectrum of Islamic spiritual traditions.
Understanding the Bayrami Tariqah opens a window into the nuanced and diverse landscape of Sufism, offering both a rich historical context and a deepened appreciation for Islamic spiritual philosophies.
