The Çelebi Family: Questions of Descent and Accession to Leadership at the Convent of Hacı Bektaş in Light of New Evidence

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the historical roots of the nineteenth-century conflict at the Hacı Bektaş convent within the Bektashi order, focusing on the rivalry between the Çelebis, who claimed biological descent from Hacı Bektaş, and the Babas, who argued for his celibacy, challenging the Çelebis' legitimacy. This schism resulted in the division of the Bektashi community into the Çelebiyan and Babagan branches, a division that persists today. The research examines whether the Çelebis' authority was historically based on biological descent or spiritual connection. New evidence indicates that by the fifteenth century, contrary to their later claims, the Çelebis were recognized as spiritual heirs of Hacı Bektaş, which provided a strong foundation for their leadership at this central Bektashi convent. Overall, the study highlights the complex relationship between the celibate dervishes and the Çelebis, noting both conflict and cooperation. Additionally, it explores the Çelebis' role in integrating diverse dervish communities into Bektashism, particularly during the Ottoman-Safavid rivalry.