DERVISH LODGES AND CONVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Abstract

Social services can trace its origin back to the idea of human goodwill and charity. Therefore, confining our study ofthis phenomenon to the modern era, and consequently ignoring its roots, would be a great error. However, forcenturies, charitable organizations of various sizes have been officially established. As a result of the incrediblediversity of such organizations in Islamic societies, conducting research in this field is also an easier task. There aremany examples of this institutional variety. For instance, the most notable examples would include the akhilik(fraternity) organisation, caravansary, almshouse, guilds, hospitals, charitable institutions, workhouses, Ottomanorphanages.Historically dervish lodges were mistakenly considered to be solely involved in mystic and esoteric activities.However, this Islamic religious order was fundamentally devoted to holy living through worldly deeds. Thisoriginates from the Sufi interpretation of religion, which revolved around serving; the creator, the lordly one trueGod, and his creations. As a result, the Sufis established Islamic monasteries (ribats), dervish lodge centres (hankah),small dervish lodges (zaviye), inns and bathhouses on deserted roads and mountain bases in order to provide freeaccommodation, to serve food and drink for cross border travellers and passers-by and generally to meet the needsof people. During the classical Ottoman period, they served as secondary cultural institutions, left vacant by thegovernment in city centres. They served as a meeting point between the political authorities and the people.Dervish lodges were sometimes a shelter for those seeking refuge from a state. We can also presume that theyreceived occupational therapy in the modern sense. This included training under the watchful eyes of the dhikr andcontemplation, for the purpose of serving humanity. As a result of their commitment to profession, diligence andthe use of logo therapy, they succeded in producing one of the most organised and effective historical instances ofsocial work. This study seeks to elucidate the historical role of dervish lodges in the provision of protective socialassistances, social aid and support from a social services stand point.