Erzurum 1001 Hatim Tradition

The 1001 Hatim Tradition is a deeply rooted Islamic practice in the city of Erzurum, Türkiye, that has been continuously observed for approximately five centuries. This tradition, known to have been initiated in the 16th century by the city’s spiritual leader Pir Ali Baba, was originally established to protect Erzurum from potential catastrophes such as disasters, epidemics, and earthquakes.

^{The 1001 Hatim Tradition} (Erzurum Governorate)

In the early 16th century, frequent earthquakes and various disasters in and around Erzurum caused widespread public anxiety. It is recounted that Pir Ali Baba, an Islamic scholar of that era, responded to the requests of the city’s prominent figures and the general populace by seeking a spiritual solution. It is believed that the tradition began when Pir Ali Baba received a vision in which Hazreti Muhammed advised him to recite 1001 complete readings of the Qur’an.

According to another account, Pir Ali Baba saw in a dream a dense cloud of smoke rising from Palandöken Mountain and engulfing the city. He then recommended the recitation of these 1001 readings, believing they would shield the city from disasters, epidemics, and especially earthquakes. To establish the material foundation of this tradition, he endowed three of his eight villages to support the hafizes—those who recite the Qur’an from memory.

^{The 1001 Hatim Tradition} (Erzurum Governorship)

The 1001 Hatim tradition begins in mid-December each year and continues for approximately one month. Typically held between December 15 and January 15, this practice aims to conclude the old year with blessings and enter the new year within the same spiritual atmosphere. In Erzurum’s 147 mosques, participants gather during nighttime hours and recite the Qur’an and offer prayers until dawn. Despite winter temperatures falling below freezing, citizens continue to flock to mosques. It is reported that the number of completed Qur’an recitations each year reaches tens of thousands, and in recent years has exceeded 50,000.

^{The 1001 Hatim Tradition} (Erzurum Governorship)

Group Qur’an Recitations: As part of the tradition, the Qur’an is recited collectively in mosques. These recitations, which typically begin during the pre-dawn hours, continue until the morning prayer and conclude with a communal prayer following the prayer.

^{The 1001 Hatim Tradition}

Qur’an Recitation on Horseback: Based on an early practice from the time of Pir Ali Baba, it remains an important component of the tradition for a group of hafizes to ride horses through the city while reciting the Qur’an. These groups disperse to different parts of the city, reciting the Qur’an, and later reunite at a designated location where a collective prayer is performed.

^{The 1001 Hatim Tradition} (AA)

The tomb of Pir Ali Baba is located in Dutçu Village, Erzurum. Remnants of his dergah also remain in the same area. The tradition initiated by Pir Ali Baba has become an integral part of Erzurum’s cultural and spiritual identity, passed down from generation to generation until the present day. For the people of Erzurum, the 1001 Hatim tradition is more than a devotional activity; it symbolizes solidarity, spiritual protection, and connection to the past.