or Ahmad Yasawi
born 11th century, Sayrām
died 1166, Yasī, Turkistan
Turkish poet and
When he was young his family moved to Yasī, 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 {{link=Timur">Timur erected a magnificent mausoleum over his grave in 1397/98.