Alevism in Turkey

Alevism in Turkey
Group	Alevism in Turkey
Population	Estimates vary widely, from 10 to 20 million
Regions	Widespread, with concentrations in central and eastern Anatolia
Languages	Primarily Turkish, also Kurdish and Zaza
Religions	Alevi interpretation of Islam
Related	Bektashi Order, Shia Islam, Sufism

Alevism in Turkey. Alevism represents a unique syncretic interpretation of Islam deeply rooted in Anatolia, forming one of the largest religious minority communities in the Republic of Turkey. Its belief system incorporates elements from Shia Islam, Sufi mysticism, and pre-Islamic Anatolian traditions, centered around the veneration of Ali and the Twelve Imams. The community has historically faced periods of persecution and marginalization, shaping its distinct social structures and political engagement within the modern Turkish state.

History and Origins

The historical roots of Alevism are complex, emerging from the confluence of Turkic migrations into Anatolia, the teachings of Shia missionaries, and indigenous spiritual practices. Key formative influences include the 13th-century mystic Haji Bektash Veli and the associated Bektashi Order, which provided a structured Sufi path. The traumatic event of the Battle of Karbala is a central historical touchstone, cementing a distinct identity separate from Sunni orthodoxy. During the Ottoman Empire, Alevi communities often lived in remote rural areas, facing periodic repression from the state, which viewed them with suspicion. The establishment of the secular Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk initially offered a promise of equality, though the state's homogenizing nationalist policies often continued to sideline Alevi distinctiveness.

Beliefs and Practices

Alevi theology is esoteric and places supreme importance on a person's inner faith and ethical conduct over ritualistic observance. Central tenets include the devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt, particularly Ali, whom they regard as the spiritual successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The primary communal ritual is the cem ceremony, a gathering led by a spiritual leader, or dede, featuring devotional music played on the bağlama, symbolic semah dancing, and shared meals. Unlike mainstream Islamic practice, Alevis generally do not perform the five daily prayers in a mosque, nor do they traditionally observe the month-long fast of Ramadan, instead fasting during Muharram in mourning for Husayn ibn Ali. Their core ethical principle is encapsulated in the phrase "eline, diline, beline sahip ol" (control your hand, tongue, and loins).

Demographics and Distribution

There is no official census data on Alevis in Turkey, with estimates ranging from 10 to 20 million people, representing a significant minority. They are dispersed throughout the country, with notable historical concentrations in regions such as Çorum, Tokat, Sivas, and Dersim. Large urban populations exist in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, a result of extensive migration from rural areas since the mid-20th century. Alevis are ethnically and linguistically diverse, including Turkic, Kurdish (both Kurmanji and Zaza-speaking), and Arab communities, though they share a common religious identity.

Social and Political Status

The relationship between Alevis and the Turkish state has been historically fraught. Alevism is not officially recognized as a distinct form of Islam by the Diyanet, the state religious authority, which follows Sunni Hanafi doctrine. This lack of recognition has led to grievances regarding state funding, which flows exclusively to Sunni institutions, and the absence of Alevi religious education. Politically, Alevi votes have been a significant factor, traditionally aligning with secularist and left-leaning parties such as the CHP. Major traumatic events like the 1978 Maraş massacre, the 1993 Sivas massacre, and the Gazi events have profoundly impacted community consciousness and political mobilization.

Cultural Expressions

Alevi culture is richly expressed through Ashik poetry, mystical music, and dance. The bağlama (saz) is the quintessential instrument, used to perform nefes (hymns) composed by revered poets like Pir Sultan Abdal, Yunus Emre, and Kaygusuz Abdal. The spiritual semah dance, performed during the cem, is considered a form of worship. Oral tradition and the teachings of the dede are paramount in transmitting beliefs, history, and ethics. Important pilgrimage sites include the shrine of Haji Bektash Veli in Nevşehir and the annual gathering at Seyitgazi.

Contemporary Issues and Debates

Key contemporary debates center on official recognition, education, and the status of cemevi (Alevi houses of worship). Alevi organizations, such as the Alevi Bektashi Federation, advocate for cemevis to be granted legal status equivalent to mosques and for an end to mandatory Sunni religious classes in public schools, a issue brought before the European Court of Human Rights. Internal discussions also address the balance between Turkish and Kurdish identities within the community, the role of women, and responses to rising Islamist currents in Turkish politics. The process of urbanization and globalization continues to transform traditional community structures while also fostering new forms of cultural and political expression.

Category:Religion in Turkey Category:Alevism Category:Islam in Turkey