TURKOMANS BETWEEN TWO EMPIRES: THE ... - Bilkent University

hagiography strikingly probes the focus of this study’s thesis. A close examination
makes it clear that the attitude of the hagiography regarding the relationship between the
state authority and popular sufi milieu changes markedly after the settlement of the
Dervishes. Until then, the relationship between the two sides seems to be developed on
mutual profit and reflects a deep respect of both parties to one another. The Hagiography
mirrors the opinion of the Dervishes, and in a broader sense, the opinion of laymen who
still maintained the Turkish culture and tradition which was chiefly nomadic in
character. Hence, it gives the primary rank to Seyyid Ali Sultan and the dervishes.
Nonetheless, it also refers to Ottoman sultans and commanders such as Orhan Beg,
Suleyman Pasha, and Gazi Evrenos with great respect.
After a series of conquests, Kızıldeli and his mystic companions refrain from the
waging of war and each settles in different places. From then on, the hagiography
recounts the story of Seyyid Rüstem, who after leaving Seyyid Ali Sultan, arrives at a
place he loves very much. He writes to Bayezid I requesting that he bequeath this place
to him. Bayezid I accepts his request and immediately sends a document indicating that
this land was bestowed to Seyyid Rüstem. Then Seyyid Rüstem goes into seclusion in a
poplar copse for seven years, which at the same time marks profound changes in
Rüstem’s relation with state agents. At the end of his seclusion, Rüstem decides to clear
the land and begins to cut down the trees. However, conditions have changed. It can be
clearly seen in the account of the velâyetnâme that the affirmative relationship between
the dervish milieu and the state, at least the state agents, had seriously deteriorated. The
beg of the region, upon hearing that a dervish is cutting down trees in his district,
becomes angry and immediately mounts his horse and goes to admonish Rüstem. Asking
him why and with which right does he settle in this area without permission and refuse
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