WHATEVER YOU LOOK FOR, LOOK FOR WITHIN YOURSELF

Writer: Ayça Olcaytu İşçen
October 2007

Every year ceremonies are arranged in Hacı Bektaş borough of Nevşehir to commemorate Hacı Bektaş Veli, an Anatolian dervish who lived in 13th century, and whose philosophic thought has been based on love for human being, sharing, equality and tolerance. 
Theatres, ‘semah’ performances [a religious dance performed by Alevis (partisans of the Caliph Ali) during their worships], concerts, panels, conferences, painting and sculpture exhibitions and poem recites were carried out among the activities that 44th one is carried out between 16-19 August, this year. Sabahat Akkiraz won “Friendship and Peace Award” given in the name of Hacı Bektaş Veli, who is well known with his words such as; “whatever you look for, look for within yourself”, “honesty is the door of friendship”, “the greatest book to be read is human being” 

An important visit center
Hacı Bektaş Veli Mosque Complex, which was built between 13th century and 16th century and restored about 50 years ago, is visited by many tourists from Turkey and other countries throughout the year, since August 16, 1964. It is possible to find traces of Hacı Bektaş Veli’s philosophy in every corner of the mosque complex which is flooded by visitors especially on commemoration days.

Note: This article has been published in Peribacası Cappadocia Culture and Publicity Magazine, October 2007 issue. It is under protection of the copyrights of the magazine. No part of this article may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by electronic, mechanical or other means without prior permission from the owner. www.cappadociaexplorer.com