A RARE DOUBLE PORTRAIT OF THE FOUNDER OF RELIGIOUS ORDER OF BEKTASHI 17TH CENTURY

Gouache on paper heightened with gold. An unique double portrait of the founder of religious order of Bektashi, Haji Bektashi Veli (died in 1271) and Sari Saltuk Baba (died in 11297-98)

Haji Bektash Veli is a very important historical figure. He is also the mentor of the Janissaries, the most important elite infantry of the Ottoman army. He is an important figure of Alevi and Bektashi culture in Turkey and Balkans muslims. Bektashism was an influential order in the Ottoman empire because the Ottoman miltary order Janissarys considered Haji Bektashi Veli as their saint-patron.

Haji Bektashi Veli wears a green coat made of aba fabric and a brown cap, his right hand holding his beard. In his neck twelve stars (teslim Taahi) representing the twelve imams. On his chest, the necklace that the dervishes of Bektaşi Order, the religious order of Alevism named after Haji Bektash Veli wear. Behind him the most influential disciple Sari Saltuk Baba, considered as the missionaris who preached Islam in the Balkans and venerated in Turke Bosnia, Albania, Romania and Bulgaria. Dressed in a brown coat made of aba fabric and wearing a crown, the most significant symbols of the Bektaşi Order. He has a bushy black beard and he makes a sign expressing silence with his forefinger.

On a yellow backround, Haji Bektashi and Sari Saltuk appear to be sitting on an animal skin with brown spots surrounded by a snake/dragon. The Ottoman caption below the painting reveals that the man on the right side is 13th-century dervish Sarı Saltuk Baba, the figure on the left is Haji Bektash Veli and the name of the calligrapher Ahmed from Üsküdar in 1061 AH/1651 AD. In the tekst is written that snake/dragon that loses its younger snakes/dragons and asking them to Haji Bektashi Veli while he is sitting on a chameleon skin.

All of the original paintings at the Haji Bektash Veli museum in Turkey are from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is the oldest picture depicting both persons, realistic painted and undoubtedly reflects a tradition.

To commemorate the 750th death anniversary Haji Bektashi Veli, UNESCO has declared as the Year of Haji Bektash Veli year. ‘The base of his philosophy lies on humanity, human rights and social equality that he counsels for the man to be modest, to purify his soul, to mature, to abstain from showing off and to be full of the love of God. His principles lead to cultural harmony and enlightening in Anatolia.’ Panel: 28 by 22 cm. Painting: 22 by 15 cm.