The Participation of the Iraqi Bektashis in Haji Bektash Veli Commemoration and Cultural Events

3 minute reading time

Bektashis, who have a long history in Iraq, but cannot express themselves until 2003 in Iraq, have entered into an effort to find their identity again after the US invasion of Iraq. Iraqi Bektashis aimed at creating a corporate structure as of 2010, and launched the initiative under the leadership of the Turkmen to establish a federation, which also includes the Shabaks and the Kakais. Despite this, the instability and lack of security in Iraq have created problems for the Iraqi Bektashis who are living in different areas and hence cannot provide geographical integrity.
 
On the other hand, ethnic and sectarian polarizations in Iraq have revealed problems in terms of Iraqi Bektashis. In addition to the ethnic diversity of Iraqi Bektashis, the administrative and political strife in the areas where the Bektashis live such as Mosul, Kirkuk and Diyala, negatively affected and caused more pressure for them. Due to the ISIS seizing control of the Bektashi-populated areas such as Mosul and Tal Afar, most of the Bektashis have been forced to migrate to southern Iraq.
 
Iraqi Bektashis expect help both from the Iraqi government and the regional countries, and strive to increase their contacts. Turkey, one of the most important centers of Bektashism, occupies a significant place in these efforts. Indeed, Iraqi Bektashis participate in the International Memorial Celebrations for Haji Bektash Veli and Cultural Activities in Hacıbektaş, Nevşehir every year in August, and endeavor to publicize themselves. In this context, Iraqi Bektashis have paid 5 visits to Turkey in coordination with ORSAM in 2009-2013, but could not come to the ceremonies in June 2014 because of the operations against ISIS.
 
In 2015, Iraqi Bektashis again had a chance to visit Turkey. A 10-person Bektashi-delegation composed of Turkmens, Shabaks and Kakais came to Turkey in coordination with ORSAM and with the support of the Prime Ministry Office of Public Diplomacy to attend the International Memorial Celebrations for Haji Bektash Veli and Cultural Activities. Within the context of 3-day program, Iraqi Bektashis participated in the ceremonies in Hacıbektaş, Nevşehir, and then, held talks with different organizations and institutions in Ankara. In this context, first, they visited Prime Ministry Office of Public Diplomacy and the Directorate General of Press and Information. During their visits, the delegation was greeted by Cemalettin Haşimi, who is the General Director of the Press and Information, the Chief Advisor to the Prime Ministry and the Director of the Office of Public Diplomacy. During the visit, the parties not only talked about Iraqi Bektashis’ visit to Turkey, but also shared their views on the difficulties in Iraq faced by Iraqi Bektashis and their expectations from Turkey. Iraqi Bektashis also visited the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and were greeted by Assoc. Prof. Kudret Bülbül, the President of YTB. Besides, Iraqi Bektashis paid visits to the Iraqi Turkmen Front's Representative to Turkey and Turkmeneli Cooperation and Culture Foundation.
 
Furthermore, a meeting was held with the participation of the Iraqi Bektashi delegation in ORSAM. In addition to discussing Iraqi Bektashis’ visit to Turkey, the participants exchanged their views on the recent events in Iraq, the problems faced by the Iraqi Turkmens and the problems of the Bektashis.