DERVISH LODGES AND CONVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL SERVICES

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