Menzil Community
Photo from Menzil, where the community is based at, shot during the funeral ceremony of Abdulbaki Erol (12 July 2023) | |
| Founder | |
|---|---|
| Muhammed Rasit Erol | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Turkey | |
| Religions | |
| Islam | |
| Scriptures | |
| Quran | |
| Languages | |
| Turkish | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Naqshbandi-Khalidi Sufi order |
The Menzil Community is a branch of the Naqshbandiyya-Khalidiyya Sufi order originating in Adıyaman, Turkey. It is named after the village of Menzil in Adıyaman. The movement was founded by Mehmet Rasit Erol, who was noted for his support of the government during the 1980 Turkish coup d'état.
Following the 1980 military coup, the Menzil Community experienced rapid growth, partly attributed to its reputation as a religious order supportive of the state. The community expanded its presence to cities such as Ankara and Istanbul.
Menzil has become one of the largest and fastest-growing religious orders in Turkey, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds, including small business owners, unemployed individuals, and urban middle-class populations. Its growth has been attributed in part to claims and rumors that individuals visiting the community's center were able to overcome negative habits after seeking guidance from the sheikh.