Tekke

Tekke

Definition

Tekke (Turkish: tekke, Arabic: تكية - takiyah) refers to a Sufi residence, hospice, or lodge. It is typically a building designated for Sufi activities such as teaching, rituals, host events, and collective worship. The head of the Sufi order and several of its members may reside there.

Etymology

The term “tekke” derives from the Arabic word takiyah (تكية), meaning “reliant” or “pillowed,” denoting a place of resting that Sufis metaphorically use to rest in divine affection.

Functions and Importance

Tekkeler (plural of tekke) are known for their multifaceted roles:

1. Educational: Providing spiritual education and guidance based on Sufi thought.
2. Ritualistic: Conducting Sufi rituals such as dhikr (remembrance of God) and the Whirling Dervishes’ ceremonies.
3. Residential: Housing for the Sufi sheikh and often for the dervishes devoted to the order.
4. Communal: Serving as centers for social services, such as feeding the poor.

Historical Context

Tekkeler emerged prominently in the medieval Islamic world as centers of learning, spiritual practice, and sociopolitical influence. They played a crucial role in the spread and institutionalization of Sufism across the Islamic world, particularly in the Ottoman Empire.

Decline and Modern Status

During the colonial era, tekkeler were often suspected of harboring dissent and anti-colonial sentiments. After the establishment of the secular Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, many tekkeler were closed under the policy of secularization. Their properties were often repurposed or abandoned.

Comparable Institutions

• Khalwah (خَلْوة): A term used in various Islamic traditions denoting a place for seclusion and intense spiritual practice.
• Khanaqah (خوانق): Similar to tekke, a place for Sufi gatherings and communal living.
• Zawiyah (زاوية): Another term for a Sufi lodge, commonly used in North Africa.

Suggested Books for Further Study

1. The Dervishes of Sovereignty: Shaping State and Sufism in the Late Ottoman Empire by Tuncay Zorlu
2. Sufism: The Formative Period by Ahmet T. Karamustafa
3. The Sufi Orders in Islam by J. Spencer Trimingham

Takeaways

• Tekkeler are central to the practice and growth of Sufism, enhancing religious, educational, and communal life in the regions where they exist.
• The suppression of tekkeler in secular states reflects broader struggles between secular governance and religious traditionalism.

Conclusion

The tekke stands as a testament to the deeply rooted and multifaceted nature of Sufism within Islamic culture and society. While their ostensible decline during the secular reforms signifies significant sociopolitical shifts, their lasting influence is still evident among Sufi communities worldwide.

Through examining the role and history of tekkeler, one can gain deeper insight into the way Sufism has preserved its practices and adapted through various epochs of Islamic history.