The Phenomenon of “Tekke” in the Context of the Spiritual and Cultural Identity of Turkic-Muslim Peoples (Mid 19th – Early 20th Century)

Research Article

Abstract

This study explores the significance of Anatolian tekkes as pivotal spiritual and religious institutions that profoundly influenced the Islamic identity of Turkic communities in Central Asia. It draws upon an in-depth analysis of Eastern archival records and manuscript traditions, shedding light on the processes of collecting, safeguarding, and interpreting Islamic manuscripts. A central focus is placed on the role of tekkes in pilgrimage, Islamic scholarship, and the broader cultural-religious development of Turkic societies. Historical accounts underscore the profound connection between manuscript traditions and the operations of tekkes, which functioned as depositories, transcription centers, and distribution points for theological discourse, philosophical essays, and literary works rooted in Islamic thought. Notably, tekkes were not confined to religious functions; they also acted as cultural nexuses, bridging diverse regions and fostering spiritual unity within the Turkic-Muslim sphere. Within this framework, particular attention is given to Uzbek tekkes in Istanbul, which emerged as focal sites of religious convergence for Central Asian pilgrims while also serving as conduits for the dissemination of Islamic knowledge and devotional practices. The theoretical foundation of this research is based on cultural archival studies and historical-cultural analysis, which regard manuscripts as integral elements of collective memory, ensuring the transmission of religious doctrines and spiritual customs. Methodologically, the study employs a comparative-historical approach, textual scrutiny of archival sources, and an examination of the socio-political, ethno-religious, and cultural dimensions of tekkes. Special emphasis is placed on Uzbek dervish tekkes within the Ottoman Empire, their involvement in pilgrimage networks, and their instrumental role in spreading Sufi traditions among Turkic populations. The evaluation of primary sources reveals that Uzbek tekkes in Istanbul functioned not only as centers for spiritual education but also as arenas for social engagement, reinforcing Islamic communal identity. The manuscripts preserved and composed in these tekkes were more than revered texts; they were dynamic instruments of religious instruction that embedded Islamic thought within the community. On a broader scale, tekkes operated as crucial spiritual institutions that facilitated the transmission of knowledge and upheld cultural-religious continuity among the Turkic-Muslim communities of the Russian Empire from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. The findings substantiate that Uzbek tekkes in Anatolia played a fundamental role in reshaping religious and educational practices, particularly amid the socio-political turbulence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their contributions to Islamic pedagogy and intercultural dialogue emphasize the necessity for further exploration of their manuscript legacy, offering deeper insights into the religious and ethno-cultural dynamics of the Turkic world.