Haji Bektash Veli or
Ḥājī Baktāsh Walī (
Ḥājī Baktāš Walī; ) was an
Alevi Muslim mystic,
Sayyid,
humanist and philosopher, who lived from 1209 to 1271. who lived and taught from approximately 1209 to 1271 in
Anatolia. He is revered among Alevis for an Islamic understanding that is esoteric (spiritual), rational, progressive and humanistic.
Alevi and
Bektashi Muslims believe the path of Haji Bektash is the path of
Ali ibn Abu Talib, since Ali was the source of Bektash's teachings. His original name was "
Sayyeed Muhammad ibn Sayyeed Ebrāheem Ātā", was one of the figures who flourished in the
Sultanate of Rum and had an important influence on the
Turkoman nomads of Asia Minor. He is also referred to as
the Sultan of Hearts and
the Derwish of the Derwishes. Haji Bektash Veli was a descendant of the 7th
Shi'a Imam
Musa Kazim.