A SUFI BEKTASHI ORDER HONORIFIC BELT AND CARVED AGATE TWELVE-POINTED STAR AMULETS
Anatolia or Balkans, late 19th - early 20th century

Comprising a long, red and white cotton belt with braided fringes on both ends, enhanced with chevron pattern around the edges and a continuous red line in the centre with symmetrical prong-like bifurcations, on one end a long sand-coloured string strung with two globular moon stone beads flanking a large twelve-pointed red agate amulet, the typical symbol of the Bektashis used only by sheikhs and high ranking members of the order; and another loose grey agate star pendant.

4cm x 181.4cm the belt (including fringes)

1cm x 6.5cm red star amulet

0.8cm x 4.5cm grey star amulet

Bektashism or Bektashiyya is an order in Sufi Islam which has often been frowned upon due to its highly esoteric practices and recluse lifestyle chosen by some of its members. The Ottomans tried to eradicate this form of fringe and heretical religious tradition, but the connection of the Order with eminent Ottoman families such as the Qizilbash Alevi and Celebi kept their tradition and beliefs alive. In Turkey, several shrines are dedicated to Bektashi sheikhs and they often contain seals, manuscripts, calligraphic panels, and daily liturgical objects, peculiar to the Order.

The two twelve-pointed stone amulets in the present lot are also known as 'submission stones', indicating the owner's submission to God and his devotion and dedication to the Bektashiyya. They were only worn by high Bektashi members, given the strict internal hierarchical structure of the Order.