Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum of Turkey

Heading to a special type of cultural and heritage tours within Turkey Tours, we will find the bright Sufi heritage enlightening all along with the Turkish land and history. Since Galal Al-Din Rumi, the founder of the spiritual sect of Sufism, and his own mausoleum are now at Konya with an annual and regular festival, your Turkey trip might include some of the Sufi sightseeing, such as that of the Haci Bektash Veli complex or Hacı Bektaş Külliyesi in Turkish in Nevsehir Province, Anatolia, less than an hour from Göreme, in the northern part of Cappadocia. The complex of Haci Bektash has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in Turkey since 2012. So it could not be missed within the itineraries of Turkey Travel Packages.

Hacı Bektaş Veli: The Mystic of Philosophy
 

Haci Bektas Veli is the practitioner of Hoca Ahmed Yesevi’s doctrines in Anatolia. Bektashism, the philosophy of Haci Bektas Veli, reached beyond Anatolia, into the Middle East and the Balkan countries. In a hilarious way, Haci Bektas inspired the Human Rights Declaration of the United Nations in 1948 when he gave us his messages and teachings about Love-God-Man and Humanity. 

Most likely in the years between 1243 and 1248, in Khorasan, Haci Bektas-i Veli was born to Seyyid Ibrahim Sani and his wife Hatern Hatun. His parent's teachings built him an enlightened mind and vision. Then after his studies under the supervision of Hoca Ahmet Yesevi, he turned to mathematics and physics along with literature and philosophy. Then comes the role of Sheik Lokman Perende, Ahmet Yesevi's student and successor; he studied mysticism. His study of the Islamic mystic, he started to seek the path of the infinite love inside his heart, then came his visit to Mecca in the pilgrimage, then heading to Syria, Persia, and Iraq. This long journey shaped him into a unique spiritual figure, eventually leading him back to Anatolia, his destination in Turkey.

Haci Bektas-i Veli's philosophy was built over 4 pillars/doors/roles that are, The religious Low, the Mysticism, the Truth, and the Spiritual Knowledge. 

The Nobel complex was erected in the 13th century to commemorate the name of the Turkish-Islamic mystic, Sufi philosopher and Sheikh Haji Bektash Veli and the eponym of the Bektashism after his death. The Khanqah, or Ribat, of the complex where followers and students gathered for rituals and prayers is considered one of the very first examples of a Royal Khanqah in all of Turkey.

Sufi ceremonies related to the Alevi and Bektashi are still some of the most important festivals held in Turkey and the Middle East. One of them is the Semah Ceremony, that was considered on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in November 2010. 

Significance of the Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum

The Complex of Haci Bektas Veli is now recognized as the Bektashism center and one of the rare structures representing the philosophy, order and features. The architecture of the complex design reflects the spirituality of the Bektashism beliefs about life, nature, and humans.

The building of Haci Bektas Veli is one of the leading examples of Turkish Museums with its elements and architecture. Courtyards, cells, chambers and dervish lodge courtyards were followed. The structure was erected of simple stonemasonry and decorated with ornaments signifying Bektashism. 

When visting the major structure after passing the entrance, you are led to a major courtyard, including some buildings for the followers (dervishes) who worked and lived for the love of the belief, yet these buildings were damaged after the transformation into a museum. A major structure of a fountain, symbolizing the Creator, Muhammed, and Ali, a fundamental concept of the Alevi faith.

A small open area/garden was once dedicated for horses, leading to a second courtyard where a large pool for birds and flowers used to be filled with water. The lion fountain is considered one noticeable structure you will notice. It's inscribed that this fountain came from Egypt as a gift in 1853.

The second courtyard embraced the hall where the sacred cem rituals and festivals were held. The coming gateway you are passing is leading to the third courtyard, which is the most sacred place in the whole complex where the mausoleum of Haci Bektas Veli stands, in the attendance of his followers and students Balim Sultan and Kalender Sah tombs. The mausoleum walls are decorated with painted kalem isi and Bektashi calligraphy. The currently existing door is original. The mausoleum of Haci Bektas Veli is known as Pir Evi. The tombs then are taking ranks according to the higher degree descending.

Historical Evolution of the Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex

The symbolism in the architectural and decorative elements of the monument is witnessed in every angel. The eternal conflict between True and False are represented as the water and fire, the rose symbolizing synthesis and love. 

Symbolizing and indications reached the construction of Cem chamber and Meydancı Baba chamber, as it was designed with attached beams referring to the 9 levels of the celestial sphere. The doorways were designed in a very smart way obliging the comer to enter the room bending his back in respect. The 12 peltries clustered in 3 groups on coaches of Cem Room are symbolizing 12 imams. Restorations and renovations we witnessing today are mainly of the 16th century.

The complete reforming of the Father of Turkey, Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, on his work for creating a secular Turkey, in 1925, the relics of Bektashi were sent to Albania and the whole complex was transformed into a museum in 1964. The structure is being visited and festivals are held inside in August if your trip to Turkey synchronized with the same time you got the chance to attend the international commemoration ceremonies by the followers.

FAQS

Q1. What is the Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum known for?

The Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum is known for being a significant cultural and spiritual center of the Bektashi Order. It houses the mausoleum of Hacı Bektaş Veli, a famous Turkish-Islamic mystic, and showcases the architectural and symbolic elements reflecting the Bektashi philosophy, including the unique design of the rooms and courtyards.

Q2. When was the Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex turned into a museum?

The Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex was officially transformed into a museum in 1964, following reforms that led to the closure of dervish lodges and the relocation of the Bektashi Order's relics.

Q3. What are some key architectural features of the Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex?

Key architectural features of the Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex include the lion fountain (brought from Egypt in 1853), the Cem Room with its symbolic peltries representing the 12 Imams, and the low doorways designed to symbolize respect and humility. The mausoleum of Hacı Bektaş Veli is also a central element, decorated with painted calligraphy and kalem işi (pen work).

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