Kizil-bash,
"red head," is the name given by Sunnis
to a large section of the population which is
either Shia in faith, or professes a religion
which is a strange mixture of Shiism, Paganism,
Manichaeism, and Christianity,—sometimes
one, sometimes another element predominating.
They are widely spread, and in certain districts
of the Angora and Sivas vilayets, as well as in
the Dersim, they form a compact population. They
appear to be derived partly from Shias of Turkish
origin, who were forcibly transplanted from
Persia during the reigns of Selim I. and Suleiman
I.; and partly from the original inhabitants who,
after having been worshippers of the Great
Goddess, Ma, adopted Christianity, became deeply
tainted with Manichaeism, and, later, embracing
Islam during the Seljuk period, were exposed to
Persian religious influence. In some cases they
pray over bread and wine, which are afterwards
consumed by the worshippers. The Sunnis accuse
them, apparently without truth, of being dirty,
immoral, and of celebrating obscene rites. They
have an excellent reputation for industry,
economy, and energy; there is always more life
about their villages than usual; and they are
good gardeners, and skilled in the art of
irrigation. A Christian can go safely amongst
them in places where a Sunni dare not venture.
The women are fond of bright colors; they have
much freedom, and never veil except in presence
of a Sunni.
Handbook
for Travellers Asia Minor, Trancaucsia, Persia,
Etc… Edited By Major-General, Sir Charles
Wilson, R.E, K.C.B.
London (UK): John Murray, Albemarle Street 1896.