The role of the Bektās̲h̲īs in Turkey's national struggle

Rev. and expanded version of the author's thesis (doctoral)--Leiden University, 2001.
"Beginning with an account of the history and development of Bektashis in the late 19th and early 20th century, this study provides an in-depth description of this order's role in Turkey's National Struggle (1918-1923). The extensive research from several Turkish archives (such as ATASE, BCA, BOA, etc.) coupled with extensive personal interviews has produced a work that provides an unprecedented view into the activities of this religious order from the late Ottoman period into the first years of the Turkish Republic. A larger context is provided by a serious treatment of the other Sufi orders in the National Struggle, emphasising that the Bektashi Order's activities during this critical period were similar to those of other Sufi orders. This study sheds light on many previously unknown aspects of Turkey's National Struggle and presents new commentaries on Turkey's official policies regarding the Bektashis and Alevis. In addition to the documentary evidence presented in the text, this volume's illustrations include several photographs that have never been published until now."