SUFISM IN THE SENSE OF FOLK MEDICINE IN OTTOMAN SOCIETY

Until the deep-rooted reforms started from Selim II era, Ottoman health system was based on value series of Seljuk era. The institutions named Dârüşşifâ, bimarhâne and timarhâne, were not official state but they rather established through donations bureaucrats members public. Established in classical period, institution ‘Hekim Başılık (Chief Physicianship)’ mostly served to organize services palace army. During this long period when health-related needs people met by Europe ottoman State, treatment requirements addressed physicians, surgeons foundation hospitals larger towns. Moving towards rural areas greater masses, duty assumed sheiks, hoja, ocaklı, healers who performed what could be described as traditional medicine or folk medicine. In Turkish communities, origins dates back Shamanic Kams, believed have supernatural powers religious worldly terms. Folks those times that Shamans men devoted religion, exorcised evil spirits had healing abilities. Majority population belief. Despite process Islamization following periods, these beliefs forgotten completely, continued their existence being adapted into Islamic beliefs. context, duties ocaklı assigned tasks guardian cult. This way, Sufis became a significant part first then Through lodges monasteries established, integrated social life era countless important for community state, ranging settlement nomads transportation, accommodation guests securing secluded areas, numerous psychological physical diseases. strong perception God, miracle workers protectors. belief foremost acceptance As such, public seeking help all kinds issues, mental problems, stomachache, headache, pain different parts body, children’s infertility, behaviour disorders leading domestic issues epidemics. So much so curing capabilities sometimes been supported gained an status. Hence purpose study is review aspect historic plane reveal methods used number conditions. subject has explained under two main headlines; one consisting spiritual practises such prayer, dhikr, nazar, ruqya shrine visitations, other apparent fasting, herbal mixtures etc. While conducting current study, chronicles, Sufi works, memoirs archives modern studies reviewed.