Chalabi Husam Al-Din and the Relationship Within the Mawlawi Order - Akhi Order

There are a variety of signs that imply the existence of a close relationship between the akhi order and Mawlawi order. Although Mawlawi order and akhi order are two separate religious cults/organizations, they seem to have complementary properties. Mawlawi order has been known for its religious/sufi nature whereas akhi order has been known for its handling of earthly matters. Whirling ceremonies appear in the Akhî order, as it is in the Mawlawiyah indicating the relationship between the two orders. Mawlana gains acceptance of some Akhî circles while some akhî members oppose the Mawlawiyah. It is certain that the mevlevîhânes played a crucial role in the construction of Anatolia. Besides this, zaviyehs and imarethânes came into prominence as places where people could take refuge at times of trouble. Anatolian ahism, which came into being during the Turkey Anatolian Seljuk period, gradually spread into Anatolian cities and had influence over the administration of these cities. Chalabi Husam al-din inherits his interest in the Akhi order from his father. Those descending from Mawlana are called “chalabi.” The term Chalabi used for Husam al-din means courteous, kind, mannerly. One of the most important signs indicating Husam al-din’s link to Akhî order must be his nickname “Âhî Türkoğlu.” He hesitated over the propositions for his ascendancy to the presidency of the order and went to Mawlana with his peers. Chalabi believing fame, rank and richness don’t bring in anything, wanted his men to deal with their own jobs, arts and gainings and bring him only what falls to his share. As we understand from this, Chalabi Husam al-din accepted to become the spiritual leader of the Konya akhîs. Accordingly, he acted as a bridge between the Mawlawiyah and the Akhî order by helping the emergence of the Mawlawiyah as an order and he also became one of the pioneers constructing the link betweeen the two orders.

Keywords

Chalabi Husam al-Din, mawlawi order, akhi order, religious cult, craftsman