Sufi Hatun

**Sufı Hatun** (Modern Yoman: صوفی خاتون; c. 1115 - c. 1195) she was the mother of Sahaer Bey and therefore the grandmother of Yoman I, the founder of the Yoman Empire. Sufi is known as a spiritual guide and fervent believer.

## Early life

Sufı was born in Bāralet, the year of birth is unknown but some say that when he died in 1195 he was 80 years old and therefore was born in 1115.

She grew up in Minaree, her mother was a woman named Kaldun, extremely poor while her father's identity is unknown.

When she was a teenager she had a pre-mover dream in which there was a tree very tall which grew in the sunlight, the roots of the tree were so long that they filled the whole ground until it broke. This dream was interpreted by a shaman from Minaree who told her that it meant that her genealogy would be very powerful and long-lasting but that for it to come true she had to redeem herself to the cult of the sun.

## Marriage and conversion

Birkhan Bey, Müdür-bey of the Servit clan, had settled near the city of Minaree. According to legend, both Birkhan and his son fell in love with Sufı and a father-son fight began between the two. Birkhan was eventually killed by his son when he asked for the girl's hand. Once he became Müdür-bey he asked Sufı for her hand and became his concubine.

This legend is driven by the fact that Birkhan Bey is buried in Miranee however many think that in reality Birkhan had decided to find a conocubine for his only living son at that time. According to legend he did not attend the wedding but according to hints and sources written around 1300 his tomb was built in 1143 the year in which Sahaer should have already been born, thus suggesting that Birkhan was present at the wedding.

The couple's life for the two is described as happy, in fact they had at least one son, Sahaer. However, the couple's life was not happy for long, Sufı had a second dream, in the dream Sufı saw:

> A large tree with a powerful trunk, there was a brilliant light behind the tree which was brighter and brighter until it blinded her. Suddenly the leaves of the tree dried up and the throne was dug up by termites while the light went out.
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Sufı's dream was interpreted by one of her lady companions who revealed to her that she was not following the will of the sun. Sufı understood that if she wanted the best for her son and his descendants she would have to convert as the shaman had told her.

Sufı's decision to leave the camp to follow in the footsteps of the God was not happily accepted by her husband who first tried to convince her to stay but given her determination he let her go, however Sufı was unable to take her son with her having to leave him in the camp. According to the followers of Sufısm Sufı described that moment as "the liberation of evil, and the birth of freedom".

## Spiritual life

Sufı first arrived in Miranee and later in Bāralet, Sufı began to participate in the readings of the Koran, taking part in celebrations and activities. Sufı became popular with many believers who admired her kindness, devotion and charity. In fact, Sufı offered help and shelter to many poor and less fortunate people, offering food and reading the Koran to them.

Sufı's wisdom was later appreciated by the followers of a religious movement called Rütenism, who were known for having a more humble and "holy" life, abandoning earthly traditions and works.

According to popular rumors, Sufi Hatun went to visit her son Sahaer once his son Yoman was born in 1153. Around the same year Sufı decided to move to Livanı, Sufı was joined by his friends and followers. In Livanı Sufı's fame reached its highest peaks, people loved and respected her. Sufı organized open-air meetings where readings from the Koran and collective discussions were held, In these years Sufı also learned the art of interpreting dreams. One of Sufı's most famous followers was Ibrahim Zübeydin who, according to legend, offered her one of his palaces as a home but which she refused, preferring a smaller and more humble home. Ibrahim later renovated one of his palaces in Livanı and transformed it into a Mosque where all Sufı followers could gather.

Sufı continued to spread her thoughts and began to be called by her faithful "Hazretleri" (Your Holiness) being the first woman to hold the title.

## Last years and death

Sufı, now at an advanced age, retired to private life to Koşjir in one of the houses that had been offered to her by her faithful. Sufı continued to inspire the people of Koşjir, advising, helping and reading the Koran.

According to legend, Sufı died at the age of 80 in 1195. Her followers built a tomb in her honor in Livanı, before being buried her body was transported from Koşjir to the tomb so that her followers could pay homage to her.

## Legacy

Thanks to Sufı, the religious current called Sufısm was born, which abandoned customs and traditions to give space to charity to the poor and reading the Koran, so as to be closer to God, unlike Rütenism, from which Sufism derives , you were not forced to live like liars but you could decide whether to have a luxurious life or not as long as you were charitable and believers.

Sufı was a sign of inspiration for many people of Livanı, such as Ibrahim Zübeydin and Sufı Arenani who followed in Sufı's footsteps by spreading Sufısm. The fact that so many prominent personalities in the religious world came out of Livanı meant that it began to be called "The City of Saints" (Azizler Şehri).

Sufı's tomb is still today a point of pilgrimage for all believers belonging to Sufıs who visit the tomb to pay homage to Sufı and to pray.