Abstract

In studies on the history of Sufism, the Qajar period is an important source, especially for researching the influence of Shiite thought on Sufism. Sufism, which was transformed into a different concept like gnosis, was defended by Sunni sects in this period, while it was the source of transformation and change activities of Shiite sects. The sects that endeavored to protect Sunni Sufism, especially the Qadiriyya and Naqshbandiyya sects, have gained the favor of the people in the limited regions where they are located, even though their activities have been restricted. In the 19th century when modernization and independence movements took place. and XX. YY. Although the Qajars made short-term agreements, fearing the presence of Sunni sects on the border and the caliphate power of the Ottoman Empire, they continued their policy of intimidation and pressure. Qajars have a tolerant attitude towards Shiite sects; He wanted to gain power by getting the support of Safi Ali Shahiyya for the modernization of society. Sâfî Ali Şâh and his caliph Zahirüddevle Ali Hân Kaçar carried out various activities to integrate Sufism with modernism. In particular, Zahirüddevle's establishment of the Encümen-i Uhuvvet Cemiyeti, which introduced the Sufi approach based on the understanding of brotherhood and equality, and the fact that his disciples were urban intellectuals, facilitated the revolutions. Zahirüddevle; He handled Sufi concepts such as melamism-futuwwa, murshid-murid according to the needs of his age and tried to integrate tradition and modernism. This study aims to reveal the perception of Sufism in the Qajar period and to discuss the activities of the Shiite sect Safi Ali Shahiyya based on integrating Sufism with modernism. This study, which was carried out by specifically referring to Shiite sources, aims to present the panorama of the Sufi thought of an era. The importance of the article is that there is little work done in this field.