Social strata in esoteric sects

The subject of this thesis is the social classes in the batini religious structures. In the thesis, social classes at ancient religions and cultures were first examined in the context of forming the basis of social classes in the batini religious structures. Although ancient religions and cultures have different beliefs and tendencies, it has been determined that they have similar attitudes to each other in their classified social structures. In this context, it has been determined that the parallel classified social structures in these traditions are clearly parallel to the classified social structures within the batini religious structures, which are the most important representatives and transmitters of ancient religions and cultures within the Islamic tradition. It has also been tried to determine to what extent these batini structures discussed in the study may have been influenced by which religions and cultures. The study consists of an introduction and two parts. In the introduction, conceptual issues regarding the formation of batiniyya and its introduction into the Islamic world, Ismailiyya identified with batiniyya, and social stratification systems were examined. In the first part, social classes formed in ancient religions, cultures and civilizations are discussed. At the end of the chapter, a brief evaluation of the common and different aspects of ancient religions and cultures in their classified structures was made. In the second part, social classes within batini structures are discussed. At the end of the chapter, a comprehensive analysis of the parallels and differences between social classes within batini structures has been made. In this context, it has been determined that there are social stratifications in almost all batini structures and that the clergy class is at the top of these stratification systems. Keywords: Batıniyya, Social Class, Stratification, Caste