History of Ahilik
Ahilik is a deep-rooted organization born in Anatolia, bringing tradespeople and artisans together around professional ethics, solidarity and brotherhood. This heritage, which we carry in our Foundation’s name and values, has guided Anatolian tradespeople for centuries.
Founding and Ahi Evran
The Ahilik organization emerged in the 13th century among the Turkmens who migrated to Anatolia while fleeing the Mongol invasion. Its founder was Ahi Evran, whose real name was Mahmut bin Ahmet. Born in 1171 in the city of Hoy in Azerbaijan, Ahi Evran studied deeply in Sufism, philosophy and religious sciences before migrating to Anatolia and settling in Kırşehir. A tanner (leatherworker) by trade, Ahi Evran developed this craft in many Anatolian cities, especially Kayseri, and organized tradespeople under one roof. Under his leadership, Kırşehir became the center of Ahilik.
The organization encompassed the 32 main crafts of its era. Each trade branch was organized internally and ultimately connected to the organization’s central leadership. During the Anatolian Seljuk and later Ottoman periods, Ahilik became an institution that shaped not only economic life, but also social, political and moral life.
The Principle of Fütüvvet and Ahilik Values
At the heart of Ahilik lies the concept of “fütüvvet”: the ideal of doing good, avoiding evil, and building a moral society. The principles of fütüvvet include honesty, generosity, humility, cheerfulness, hospitality, not dwelling on others’ faults, forgiveness, respect for elders and compassion for the young. These values are traditionally symbolized by a “Tree of Fütüvvet”: its roots represent humility, contentment and patience; its branches represent generosity, compassion and justice; and its fruits represent the benefit that those who embody these virtues bring to society.
Vocational Training: From Apprentice to Master
In the Ahilik system, vocational training followed a graduated path: apprentice-helper (yamak), apprentice (çırak), journeyman (kalfa), and master (usta). A journeyman was honored with a ceremony called “şed kuşanma” upon becoming a master; the sash tied around the waist symbolized professional competence and acceptance into the Ahilik community. Without this ceremony, a tradesperson could not open a shop — it carried a meaning similar to today’s diploma ceremony.
Its Legacy Today
The values Ahilik brought to Anatolian economic and moral life are still kept alive today. Every year on October 13 — the anniversary of Ahi Evran’s passing — “Ahilik Week” is celebrated; chambers of tradespeople and professional associations reenact the şed investiture and other traditional Ahilik ceremonies to pass this heritage on to younger generations. As the Kahramanmaraş Tradespeople and Artisans Mutual Aid and Education Foundation (KESYEV), we too consider it our duty — guided by the culture of Ahilik — to keep the principles of honesty, solidarity and mutual aid alive within our tradesperson community and to pass them on to future generations.