Chivalry among the Sufis

Chivalry (javanmardi) that is rooted in the pure nature of man is associated with such features as honesty, sincerity, justice, braveness, generosity, faithfulness, sacrifice, hospitality, and helping the needy. This favourable ritual has had different manifestations in its historical development.Many groups have made it a goal of their life or profession, so that the most representative form of chivalry can be found in "ayyars" (chivalrous men who helped the poor and the oppressed). At other times, sportsmen and heroes have been called champions (pahlavan) and have found eternal fame thanks to their chivalrous characteristics. Sometimes, the combination of chivalry with piety and sufism is highlighted. At other times, many craftsmen have tried to exceed each other in embracing this favourable ritual. Meanwhile, the joining of this ritual and the principles and rites accepted by sufism is so outstanding that any research into the ritual of chivalry will not be complete without the study of its close and reciprocal relationship with sufism.