The phenomenon of Hajj among the Uwaysis in the context of the Tezkire-i Buğra Hanî

Abstract

One of the works written in Persian in Central Asia is Tezkire-i Meşayih-i Üveysîyye. The author of this work is Ahmed b. Sa’deddîn el-Özgeni Nemengani. Dedicated to the Üveysî Sufis, this work presents short biographies of the sheikhs of the order, accompanied by legendary and anecdotal accounts. The language of the work, which features exaggerated narratives typical of the period, is quite simple. The writing style of the work suggests that it was written in the 17th century. Each section begins with the name and nickname of a Sufi master, followed by a biref biography that recounts their miracles and greatness. The book presents snapshots from the lives of these great figures. This book, which holds an important place among works written on the Uwaysiyya Sufi order, recounts the journeys of sheikhs. The work reveals that the leaders of the order were obliged to go on the pilgrimage to complete their spiritual journey. It mentions that enlightenment, known as keşf, can only be experienced in these lands. The book discusses the miracles performed by the sheikhs during this journey. This work, which lists the names of the Uwaysi sheikhs in chronological order, presents a broad geography of pilgrimage. In this article, we will take a look at this geography, learn about the pilgrimage routes of the Uwaysis, identify the stopping points along the way, and examine the order’s original views and contributions regarding the pilgrimage.