Ahmed Yesevi

Ahmed Yesevi

 or Ahmad Yasawi

(born 11th century, Sayram—died 1166, Yasi, Turkistan) Turkish poet and Sufi mystic. When he was young his family moved to Yasi, where he began his teaching. The Book of Wisdom, a collection of mystical poetry, is traditionally attributed to him. He established a mystical order whose rituals preserved Islamic and ancient Turco-Mongol customs, and promoted the spread of mysticism throughout the Turkish-speaking world. His poetry influenced Turkish literature and led to the development of mystical folk literature. He was revered as a saint, and Timur erected a magnificent mausoleum over his grave in 1397/98.