The Sectarian Elements in Saltuknāme

Saltuknāme is an epic style work that tells about the life and wars of Sarı Saltık , who lived in the 13th century and played an important role in the Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia and the Balkans. In the work, many subjects are discussed from the conquests of Sarı Saltık to the general characteristics of societies, to religious-moral issues, from mythology to historical facts. Sarı Saltık is a wandering dervish who stands out with his personality in the environments he is in, directs events and shapes the regions he visits to the extent he believes. Sarı Saltık’s references are the orders of the Qur’an, the practices of Muhammad and the First Four Caliphs of Islam. Sarı Saltık, who meticulously observes his prayers, sees the absence of prayers as a reason for punishment. The First Four Caliphs occupied a prominent position in his world of thought. Sarı Saltık, who has a special interest in Ali and his children, takes as an example of Ali, whom he sees as the most important figure of the soldier-saint type. He describes the Imamiyyah Shi’ites as Rāfidah (those who reject the first three caliphs), criticizes their acceptance of Ali with harsh statements and believes that they should be killed. There are quite dominant religious motifs and discourses in the Saltuknāme. In addition to the traces of the basic sources of Islam, traces of Turkish culture and thought are also seen in the work. The work has been compiled in a highly active religious, political and social society. Although the elements and concepts belonging to many sects/denominations are seen in the work, the dominant paradigm is Sunni. This article focuses on the belief and worship dimension and sectarian elements rather than the life, personality and personal characteristics of Sarı Saltık.Keywords: Sarı Saltık, Islamic Sects, Sunni, Shi’a, Rāfiḍah, Alevi and Bektashi Tradition.