Shaykh Succession in Turkish Sufi Lineages (19^th and 20^th Centuries): Conflicts, Reforms and Transmission of Spiritual Enlightenment

Abstract

This article examines the question of the succession of the Sufi shaykhs as heads of a lodge (tekke) or as great masters of a lineage (brotherhood) in the Ottoman Empire in 19^th and 20^th centuries and shows that there was an important difference between the rule of hereditary succession followed by the tekkes from the beginning of Ottoman history to the classical period (16^th-17^th century) and the same rule which spread in the 19^th century. This study investigates the two principles upon which the legitimacy for succession is established and the heated controversies and quarrels around it. These two principles are: 1. hereditary succession (evladiyet in Ottoman Turkish), which was in general the rule within Sufis orders; and, 2. succession by discipleship, on grounds of learning or other merits. This study demonstrates that the principle of hereditary succession was well cultivated in the Centralized Sufi Orders (Mevleviye, and Bektaşiye) and in some Mother-Lodges of other lineages (e.g. Kâdiriye), and that there were some famous Sufi families which had strengthened this principle and became genuine spiritual dynasties (e.g. Mevlevî, Halvetî). Conversely, some Sufi lineages, like the Nakşibendiye, were inclined to favour the succession by discipleship. The second section of this study focuses on the drastic contestation of the principle of hereditary succession by open-minded and reformist Sufis since the beginning of the 19^th century and particularly in the first decades of the 20^th century. It analyses the reform of the hereditary succession, especially the measures adopted by several organisations, like the “Council of Shaykhs” (Meclis-i Meşayih) in the mid-19^th century, and the project, never implemented, of a “Sufi School” (Medresetü’l-Meşayih) for the education of the sons of the Shaykhs in the beginning of the 20^th century.