Ahi Evren

Sheikh Pir Nasiruddin Abul Hakayik Pir Mahmud bin Ahmed Ahi Evran bin Abbas Veli al-Khoyi (1169–1261), commonly known as Ahi Evran or Pir Ahi Evren-ı Veli, was a Turkic Alevi Sufi saint, preacher, philosopher and poet who wrote 20 books. He is mostly remembered as the founder and leader of the Ahi Brotherhood.

Life Born in Khoy, Iranian Azerbaijan in 1169, he moved to Kayseri, Turkey and established the Ahi guild there. He was skilled in the leatherworking trade and he organized guilds from 32 different professions. He led and organized the Ahis into a force capable of fighting the invading Mongols. An annual festival is held in Kırşehir, where its organized by the local chambers of commerce.

A museum in Kayseri, the Ahi Evran Esnaf ve Sanatkarlar Müzesi, is dedicated to his influence on traders and craftsmen.