Artistic transformation of nature cult symbols in Hacı Bektaş Veli dervish lodge

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the symbols of nature cults in Hacıbektaş District on the formation of the symbols found in the Hacı Bektaş Veli Dervish Lodge and to discuss how the integrity of the meaning of these symbols can evolve into a transformation with artistic research. Bektashism, which is a syncretic structure, is based on the concepts of knowledge, tolerance and equality by emphasizing the understanding of being a maturehuman. In the Hacı Bektaş Veli Dervish Lodge, there are symbols depicting the history, teachings and spirituality of the Bektashi community. Symbols such as the Surrender Stone, the Jamal of Human, the insan-ı kamil (mature-human), the cap of Alifî, the cap of Khorasan, and the cap of Husseini are at the center of the Bektashi belief system and represent a cultural depth developed by associating them with nature cults. These symbols are of universal value as they represent an original common experience of humanity. The four basic elements of nature, air, fire, water and earth, are based on the four doors of the Bektashi doctrine of the four doors and forty maqams, sharia, tariqa, marifa and haqiqa. Since these elements are accepted as the basis of nature, symbols such as trees, stones, lions and deer, like everything in nature, express humanity's relationship with nature and its search for universal meaning. The process of becoming a mature-human of Bektashi doctrine, which reconciles nature cults, nature elements and symbolic elements, has constituted the scope of artistic research in personal art practices. "Transformation" depicts inner change, while "Altruism" represents a sense of unity and reflection for society. "Past and Future" reflects the bond between human and nature, while "The Divine" depicts the spiritual and mystical quest underlying nature cults, "Existence" depicts existential conflict, while "Reincarnation" emphasizes spiritual transformation and union with other beings. "Balance" describes that the mature-human is iv in a balance with the universe and everything. All applications are based on clay – earth – and it is aimed to symbolically and formally guide the integration, relationship and fusion of earth with water, air and fire in the effort and ordeal of becoming a mature human being by getting rid of one's self. The research reveals how nature cult symbols developed in Bektashi art, the cultural and religious reasons that drove this transformation, and how these symbols can be reinterpreted in contemporary creative activities. Each of the symbols in the Hacı Bektaş Veli Dervish Lodge reveals a delicacy and depth that needs to be addressed more broadly and allows its symbolic layers to be constantly revealed. Keywords: Air, fire, water, earth, tree, stone, mature-human, maturity, ascetic.