Ahmed Yesevi (also spelled Ahmad Yasawi), born in Sayram (now in Kazakhstan), died 1166, Yasi, Turkestan, poet and Sufi (Muslim mystic), an early mystic who exerted a powerful influence on the development of mystical orders throughout the Turkic-speaking world.

Very little is known about his life, but legends indicate that his father died when the boy was young and his family moved to Yasi. He made the city into the major centre of learning for the Kazakh steppes, then retired to a life of contemplation aged 63. He dug himself an underground cell where he spent the rest of his life.

A mausoleum was later built on the site of his grave by Timur the Great in the city (today called Türkistan).

Year of birth missing

1166 deaths | Sufis