WHO ARE ALEVIS
Alevis are a sub-ethnic and cultural community from Anatolia (modern day Turkey), numbering in the millions. Alevis descended mainly from Anatolia.
Alevi belief is a way of life that also appears in other parts of the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans.
The Alevi path as a belief system is an ancient way of testifying that has been passed on through oral traditions in all of the languages with which Alevis have became acquainted. Oral tradition is directly relevant to the ethnic identity of Alevis. An important source of Alevi beliefs and thought are the mystical poems and musical ballads (deyisler, nefesler) that have been passed down from generation to generation, many of which have not been recorded in writing. Among the greatest Alevi-Bektashi poet-musicians (asiklar, ozanlar) are Yunus Emre (13-14th century), Kaygusuz Abdal (15th century), and Pir Sultan Abdal (16th century).
Humanistic attitude or what is often called Humanism is Alevis lens on and way of perceiving the world. In the Alevi path, divine presence is universal and resides in the heart of all humans.
This belief is based on love and respect for all people, attitudes, knowledge, sharing and science. Alevis believe that one must respect and have knowledge of nature. Alevi principles promote and encourage individuals to behave modestly, to feed, refine and mature. The principles of love, tolerance and humanism are significant to Alevi philosophy.
Alevis believe goodness in humans, and this is expressed by the Alevis saying: ‘Insan Hakta Hak Insanda’. The Alevis do not believe in a god in an individualized form or as a universal force. Rather, god is within every human being as well as everything in the universe.
HISTORY
The Alevi belief and way of life have been around for thousands of years, and can be traced all the way back in history to the Sumerians.
The confusion over the Alevis is linked to a troubled past. Historically, Alevis have avoided bringing attention to themselves to avoid confrontation with authorities.
Authorities for centuries have oppressed, discriminated and massacred Alevis, forcing them into denial of their identity and assimilation into the dominant way of life. Alevis looked in hope for the establishment of the Republic of Turkey as liberation from the Ottoman oppression and religious discrimination. However, Alevis were once again not recognized as a distinct group and were oppressed, discriminated and politically assimilated. There were forced deportations by authorities, as well as masses of Alevis fleeing to other parts of Turkey and Europe because of fear for their lives. This resulted in much of the traditional Alevi culture and practices to be forgotten.
In 1925 the Turkish State adopted a policy of one race one religion, forcing Alevis to cloak themselves with Islamic veil to avoid persecution. In Alevi stories you will find some Islamic elements – this has been a deliberate way of hiding from those in power. Unfortunately policies allowing discrimination continues until today. One of the main obstacles for Alevis is the Turkish Governments perceptions of Turkey’s identity – as being 99% Muslim.
The Alevi path, due to its unique identity, culture, communal structures and laws resisted against the dominant rulers. In the Alevi belief, there is a built in respect for other people’s views and an emphasis on the mystical inner self. There is no support for power struggle in the Alevi philosophy. Alevi belief is dominated by deep humanism, love and tolerance.
The origins of Alevi philosophy is not the Middle East, nor Central Asia. Its birth place is Anatolia and Mesopotamia. For centuries ethnic and religious cultures living side by side have influenced one another. Therefore, in the Alevi practices we can see aspects of Zoroastrian , Shamanism, Judaism, and Christian rituals. Some claim Alevi path as an Islamic sect and denomination, but the only purpose of this has been to assimilate and dispose of the Alevi identity.
Alevis do not wear any distinctive dress and cannot be distinguished from other people. Men and women have equal rights and responsibilities in life. In the Alevi philosophy humanity is the centre of universe and there is the unity of existence – people, nature, minerals and the universe are one. Alevis also hold dear the following values:
- individual autonomy (the essence of human rights);
- personal responsibility (humans cannot pass this to ‘higher forces’);
- no dogmas (no religious do’s and don’ts: purity lays in someone’s acts and thoughts), and
- Self-realization.
Men and women are given the same opportunities and take part equally in all facets of life. In Alevi discourse, women are sublime (worthy of the highest moral and spiritual value) and you will find this philosophy condemning gender discrimination. As the following quote illustrates, in Alevi philosophy, it is not gender but peoples voluntary love, kindness, respect and contribution that is seen as superior.
My pilgrimage is towards mankind There is NO supreme religion, supreme race, supreme language, supreme culture, supreme gender in our belief.
No flower is better than another,
every flower has it’s distinguished colour,
distinguished smell.
All Flowers are beautiful.
All mankind are beautiful!
All mankind are equal…
(Haci Bektas Veli, 1210-1300AD)
In Alevi cosmology all human beings are considered as “Can” or Life – living in all areas of social space.
The core Alevi belief is to purify oneself of their sub identities, such as race, religion, gender, language, status, and authority and return to their true core identity as a human being.
Real freedom is freedom from all forms of bondage. It can be achieved only through development and purification of one’s own mind – purging and cleansing oneself from all taints of greed, hatred and delusion.
Another significant Alevi belief that is the absolute centre of Alevi behaviour is that ‘control comes within’ – the Alevis express this self-control by using the following moral code: “Eline, diline, beline sahip olmak”.
- ELINE: control of hand, formids killing, stealing or committing violence against another human.
- DILINE: control of the tongue, formids gossip, lies or speaking maliciously.
- BELINE: control of loins, formids adultery and non-consensual sex.
An important part of the Alevi culture is Alevi Rituals. These rituals do not include the practice of prayer five times a day, attending mosque, fasting during Ramadan, undertaking pilgrimage to mecca or reciting from the Koran. Alevi’s have their own prayer house called Cemevi and their own cultural and spiritual practices unique to their faith.
All Alevis are connected to or claim descent to a specific “Ocak” (Hearth/Caste) and all Ocak’s are connected to a “Dergah” (lodges). The Alevi Institution comprises of the following:
- Pir (Enlightened pure person; spiritual leader of a community)
- Mursid (spiritual teacher)
- Dede, Baba or Ana (an elder)
- Rehber (a guide to the faithful)
- Zakir (poet and musician)
Traditionally Dede/Ana’s did not merely lead rituals, but led their communities. They also acted as judges or arbiters, presiding over community courts called “Hakkikat Meydani”.
Dede/Ana performs the Cem rituals, leads funerals, teaches new generations, initiates the young, mediates conflicts and aids “Talips” (the disciples).
One of the important Alevi rituals is the Cem. The Cem is a gathering of Alevi believers who come together to worship and establish “erkan” (a community court) to resolve community problems. It is conducted by an elder referred to as “Dede” or “Ana”, accompanied by a “zakir” (musician and poet).
There are several important elements in a Cem gathering, some of which include:
- Dede / Ana – an elder that conducts the Cem ritual
- Rehber – guide and communicator between the “Dede/Ana” and the disciples
- Zakir – a musician ,who plays the “saz” and recites spiritual songs and poems
- Erkan – a community court comprising of equal numbers of men and women, who are mature and respected community members
- Cerag – lighting of a flame, which symbolizes the lighting of the path
- Kurbanci – person responsible for the offering
During this gathering, spiritual dancing of semah and music played by the saz is performed. This is followed by the sharing of a meal called lokma which is provided by the community.
The Semah, which is a spiritual dance, is an important part of the Cem and is characterized by turning and swirling. This dance of worship has many varieties. The semah is performed by men and women to the accompaniment of the Saz or the lute. The semah is an inseparable part of any Cem.
Another important Alevi ritual is Musahiplik. Musahiplik is a spiritual brotherhood between two married couples making a lifelong commitment to care for and share each other’s welfare. The ties between couples who have made this commitment are stronger than that of blood relatives.
Muharrem Orucu (Muharrem Fast) and Asure
In the Alevi belief, another ritual called Muharren Orucu is a major Alevi fast which is generally held in the first 12 days of the month of Muharrem (in the modern day calendar this falls between 28 September and 10 October of each year). In addition to abstaining from food, many Alevis who fast during these 12 days, also abstain from drinking water both day and night. They will intake liquids other than water. During this fast, Alevis will also avoid any sort of comfort or enjoyment. The main purpose of this fast is to mourn the death of Ali’s son, Huseyin, during the battle of Kerbela.
Following on from the Alevi fast, a special dish of Asure is cooked. Asure is prepared from a variety of 12 different grains, fruits and nuts. This is shared amongst community members.
Another significant event in the Alevi faith is the Abdal Musa Feast. The Abdal Musa Feast is a celebration where the traditions of unity and togetherness are preserved. The Abdal Musa Feast has been celebrated by the Anatolian Alevis since the 14th Century.
Abdal Musa was one of the most significant saints in the Alevi tradition. His philosophy is to love one another, share the wonders of the world, and help those less fortunate than themselves.
The Abdal Musa feast is a celebration of peace, love and togetherness, where a meal of bulgur rice and meat of offering is cooked in communal pots. After a blessing by the Dede or Ana, an Alevi elder and spiritual leader, the meal is shared by all.
Abdul Musa celebrations include music and the mystical dance called Semah, accompanied by the sacred ritual instrument known as the Saz.
Nevroz falls on 21 March and marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year. It is celebrated my many ethnic groups, including Alevis and represents a day of newness, reconciliation and the start of spring. Alevis celebrate Nevroz with “Cems” and other special programs. In 2010, the UN’s General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nevroz, describing it a spring festival of Persian origin which has been celebrated for over 3000 years.
Another Alevi fast is the three-day Hizir fast (Hizir Orucu), generally observed 13-15 February. Many Alevis fast during this time to honor Hizir, a holy figure who they believe saves those who are in distress. Alevi’s call on him for help and rescue. Hizir is the patron saint of travelers, protecting them from the dangers and difficulties of the road. Alevis have dedicated a specific day to him in February called “Hizir Day”. This is a day of prayer, contemplation, mysticism, healing, wish-fulfillment, music, poetry and festivities. After fasting for three days, Alevis gather and call on Hizir to be with them at all times. This special celebration includes special foods, the performance of sacred Semah, and singing sacred songs.
“Hidir Ellez” or “Hidellez” is the day on which prophets Hizir and Ilyas met with each other on earth. Some hold that Hidir comes to the rescue of those in distress on land, while Ilyas helps those at sea; and that they meet at a rose tree in the evening of every 6 May. The words Hizir and Ilyas have since fused together and is pronounced as Hidellez. Hidellez falls on May 5-6. There are various theories about the origin Hidrellez. Hizir is the symbol of spring, and the new life which emerges with it.
Hidellez, which is still celebrated in Anatolia, has been celebrated since ancient times. Although it is celebrated under different names and in different times, it is possible to see the motifs of Hidellez in many places. The arrival of spring and awakening of nature have been perceived by mankind as a phenomenon to be celebrated. In fact, Hidellez, as a spring festival, has a universal character.
Alevitische jongeren Nederland 