Baba Samit

Baba Samit was a Shia Sufi tariqa that gained widespread following in medieval Azerbaijan and Turkey. It is believed to be a branch of Bektashi (BektaĊŸiyye) tariqat. Baba Samit, according to a legend was the son of Haji Bektash Veli, the founder of the movement. Also according to the tomb inscirptions, he descends from Imam Ali Reza. History of Baba Samit movement in Azerbaijan is quite poorly researched.

It is known that Bektashi movement was widespread in Azerbaijan by the 16th century. After Safavi takeover of Azerbaijan, this Shia order was promoted by the authorities. Significant number of Sufi tekkes were operational during XVI-19th centuries.

The tomb of Baba Samit near Sabirabad, Azerbaijan is still revered by population, however as a result of Soviet-era neglect, both research of Sufi tariqats and knowledge of their traditions are weak to non-existent.

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