It is generally accepted that Turks began to convert to Islam by the end of the seventh century when they encountered Muslims in Central Asia. As the Turkish-speaking people moved westward into Anatolia, they met Persians and Arabs and were influenced mostly by Sunni Islam. Shiʿi influences are represented by the Alevis in Anatolia. The Turks also encountered local cultures. The outcome of these diverse encounters is reflected in ritual practices. That is to say, because there is no single unifi…