Introduction
Understanding Alevism
Alevism is a plural tradition, often located in the Shiite and Sufi world, but which some faithful consider to be an autonomous way. It favours the inner sense, *batın*, rather than a uniform literal observance.
Its roots combine the veneration of Ali, anatolian mystical orders, Turkmen traditions and local heritages.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Alevism is a plural tradition, often located in the Shia and Sufi world, but which some faithful consider as an autonomous way.
- Its roots combine the veneration of Ali, anatolian mystical orders, Turkmen traditions and local heritages.
- The "cem" brings together women and men in a single space around music at the "saz*, hymns *deyiş*, teaching, reconciliation and ritual dance *semah*.
- lelevism seeks God through love, knowledge, justice and lived brotherhood.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Its roots combine the veneration of Ali, anatolian mystical orders, Turkmen traditions and local heritages.
Historical developments
The communities formerly called Kızılbaş were persecuted by the Ottoman Empire.
Ritual life and teachings
The "cem" brings together women and men in a single space around music at the "saz*, hymns *deyiş*, teaching, reconciliation and ritual dance *semah*.
A living and plural tradition
In the Republican era, Alevism was for a long time unrecognized and suffered several massacres, including that of Sivas in 1993.
History and development
Its roots combine the veneration of Ali, anatolian mystical orders, Turkmen traditions and local heritages. The communities formerly called Kızılbaş were persecuted by the Ottoman Empire.
In the Republican era, Alevism was for a long time unrecognized and suffered several massacres, including that of Sivas in 1993.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
The "cem" brings together women and men in a single space around music at the "saz*, hymns *deyiş*, teaching, reconciliation and ritual dance *semah*. The principle of "controlling his hands, his language and his desires" summarizes an ethics.
The practices of Ramadan, pilgrimage and mosque differ from Sunni Islam; Muharram's fast in memory of Karbala is important.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Poetry of Pir Sultan Abdal, Buyruk, stories of Hacı Bektaş and oral traditions. Symbols: lion d'Ali, twelve points, crane, saz, rose and semah.
What research can and cannot say
Institutional definitions are politically sensitive. It is necessary to present competing self-identifications rather than decide on the outside if alevism is "really" Islamic.
References