Abdal Musa Naming Ceremonies

Abdal Musa Memorial Events, Antalya’s Elmalı district, approximately 17 km from the village of Tekke, are traditional ceremonies held around the Abdal Musa Türbesi. Since 1983, these events have been held annually during the third week of June and bring together participants from within Türkiye and abroad who come to visit one of the most important centers of the Alevi-Bektaşi tradition. The ceremonies are regarded as part of spiritual tourism and contribute significantly to the cultural vitality of the region.

The central figure of these events, Abdal Musa, was a Turkish dervish of Horasan origin, also known as Hoylu, who lived during the 14th century under the Selçuklular. A member of the Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Dergâh, Abdal Musa played a vital role in the formation, institutionalization, and spread of the Alevi-Bektaşi tradition. Due to this historical and spiritual significance, he is regarded in the tradition as the “Piri Sani,” meaning the second pir after Hacı Bektaş Veli. The eleventh of the twelve posts in Bektaşilik, known as the “Ayakçı Postu,” is also called the “Abdal Musa Sultan Postu.”

^{View from the Abdal Musa Türbesi in Elmalı, Antalya}(Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

The Abdal Musa Tekke established in Tekke village is considered one of the four main dergâhs of the Alevi-Bektaşi tradition. Known as the “Halife” seat, this dergâh holds a unique importance within Alevi-Bektaşi belief due to its location within Türkiye’s borders and its cultural contributions. Over time, the structure evolved into a fully endowed dergâh with rich endowments and continues to exist today as the Abdal Musa Türbesi. Throughout history, no conflict has occurred around the türbe, which has instead been universally recognized by all social groups as a sacred spiritual site.

Organized by the Association for the Study and Preservation of Abdal Musa Culture, the memorial ceremonies create a spiritual atmosphere in the region. Visitors participate by visiting the türbe, offering sacrificial animals, and engaging in prayers and niyaz. The main sacred sites visited during the events are as follows:

• Abdal Musa Türbesi: The main structure containing the coffins of Abdal Musa, his mother, his father, his brother, and his disciple Kaygusuz Abdal.
• Budala Sultan Türbesi: Located near the Abdal Musa Türbesi, at the foot of the mountain, this is one of the sacred sections of the külliye.
• The Sacred Well: A well located about 200 meters from the türbe, whose water is believed to have healing properties and is regarded by the people as equivalent to Kevser water.
• The Wish Rock and Trees: The rock and surrounding trees, associated with the Durdağı legend, are places where visitors tie cloths or turn stones to make wishes.
• Uçarsu Waterfall and Yeşilgöl: The Uçarsu Waterfall, located at the foot of Akdağ, is considered sacred due to the tradition that Abdal Musa caused water to flow from the rock with his staff. The nearby Yeşilgöl is also visited for its spiritual significance.