THE ROLE OF ANATOLIAN SUFI GROUPS IN THE ISLAMIZATION OF THE GOLDEN HORDE POPULATIONS

Authors : Tungysh Abylov, Meiirbol Mutalıyev, Emre Sevinç

Pages : 557-568

Doi:10.60163/tkhcbva.1747873

View : 291 | Download : 794

Publication Date : 2025-12-18

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article focuses on four major regions that played a significant role in the Islamization process of the Golden Horde. The first is city of Old Bulgar, the second is the Turkestan region where the Yassawiyya Order spread, the third is the Mamluk sphere, and fourth is Anatolia, where the Turkish Sufi movement developed and expanded. The study examines the critical role played by Anatolian-origin Sufi groups in the Islamization of the Golden Horde from the mid-13th century onward. In particular, the activities of the Qalandariyya, Rifā\\\'iyya, and Kubrāwiyya orders are analyzed in detail. According to the research, Sufi groups arriving from Anatolia carried out intensive missionary activities among diverse religious and ethnic communities within the Golden Horde. By establishing institutions such as madrasahs, they engaged in widespread educational and political activities, thereby making a substantial contribution to the spread of Islam. These orders not only transmitted religious knowledge but also shaped social life, thereby facilitating the establishment of Islamic culture. Additionally, they actively involved in political affairs. Despite strong opposition from the Iranian Ilkhanids, the Qalandari, Rifā\\\'ī, and Kubrāwī Sufis were able to expand their activities with the support of the Golden Horde authorities. Some of them even took part in military campaigns to defend Islam. This demonstrates that Sufism was not limited to a purely spiritual dimension but also possessed significant social and political aspects.
Keywords : Altın Orda, İslamlaşma, Kalenderilik, Rifaîlik, Ahilik

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