Conference at KTMU: “From Ahmed Yasawi to Sheikh Edebali: Turkish Sufism as a Constructive Force”
At Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), the conference titled “From Ahmed Yasawi to Sheikh Edebali: Turkish Sufism as a Constructive Force” was held as part of the “Rectorate Conference Series.” The keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Haşim Şahin from Anadolu University, shared his insights on the historical and intellectual foundations of the Turkish Sufi tradition.
Addressing the historical development of Turkish Sufism and its role in shaping the Turkish-Islamic civilization, Prof. Dr. Şahin emphasized that the Sufi line of thought extending from Khoja Ahmed Yasawi to Sheikh Edebali in Anatolia represents not only a religious understanding but also a comprehensive process of social, cultural, and political construction.
“A Sufi Journey from Khoja Ahmed Yasawi to Sheikh Edebali”
In connection with UNESCO’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of Sheikh Edebali,” the conference also explored the founding philosophy of the Ottoman Empire. He underlined that the Turks historical trajectory reflects not only military and political expansion but also a profound and enduring civilizational experience. He noted that this journey, stretching from Ötüken to the walls of Vienna, left deep and lasting impacts across a vast geography and formed a rich cultural heritage that continues to the present day.
The conference also highlighted the central role of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in shaping the Turkish understanding of Islam. Referred to as the “Pir of Turkistan,” Yasawi was noted for harmonizing Islamic teachings with the cultural codes of the Turks, thereby making them accessible to broader communities. His approach, grounded in love, tolerance, and wisdom laid the foundations of the Sufi tradition that later flourished in Anatolia.
