The Alevi (from a small, humble perspective)

Here in Ankara I was invited to visit an Alevi cem evi, the social and spiritual gathering space for the Alevi religious community. It was a neighborhood on the east side, a sunny afternoon, and a wonderfully warm welcome. We (young foreign students) walked into a wide and low room filled round the edges with many people relaxing on pillows. The Dede stood to greet us, saying "Sit down here, I'll tell you our story." The history lesson, translated through our teacher, lasted perhaps an hour with questions; it was followed by dance and music, food and chai, and every aspect of it was part of their religious ceremony.

And that's what I find the most interesting... worship, for Alevis, is never contained within a book, or specific recitations, or a set of dogmatic principles, or even a single building. Prayer is through song and dance and community service and everyday language and the motion of stirring chai with a small spoon.

So what is Alevi....I'm lifting primarily from a wikipedia article, where the collective authors "they" have explained it better than I could:

<<<< Alevis (or Alevi-Bektashis) are a religious community in Turkey, making up approximately 20% of the population of the country. Alevism is a Shia Islamic belief, meaning that they are politically attached to the 4th Islamic Caliph, Imam Ali. This, however, is the extent of similarity between Alevism and Orthodox Shia beliefs. (Shia is a term used for any beliefs having its main structure relying on following the path of Imam Ali, no matter how different they are.)

Contrary to mainstream orthodox Islam---which has a tradition of authoritative religious scholarship---Alevism is a heterodox belief (meaning it is defined by its departure from accepted beliefs and standards). The strength of Alevism lies in shared local traditions and esoteric interpretations of Islamic belief and practice. Modern Alevi theology has been profoundly influenced by humanism and universalism. Thus, while many of the older generation view Alevism as a religious belief, many of the younger generation prefer to term it a philosophy, some even making connections with Marxism. Alevi communities are strong supporters of Kemalism due to its strong secularist ideology. >>>>

This post would be a rather feeble attempt at a "general summary," so I'll just touch on a few ideas that I believe are the most important.

1) Theological issues---As described to me, the Alevi beliefs seem more of a philosophical outlook than I've seen in most other faiths. After Allah, the common name for God is Haqq, the Arabic word for Ultimate Truth, or Reality. Through worship, becoming closer to Allah, one can be united with the Truth. In my opinion, the most beautiful concepts in Islam are taken to the center of Alevism; love for neighbors, equality between men and women, and transcending material desires are a few. Orthodoxy and intolerance are hardly visible...

2) Practices---The sema is a dance of men and women in a circle, feet stepping and arms raised to the music of a saz and other stringed instruments. Men and women pray alongside one another. The dominant patriarchy of Turkish culture still guides work and family relationships, but I've heard from many Alevi the view: "Change comes from within us... children learning our ways are the ones who will help society progress." The cem evi that we visited organizes educational seminars, community dinners, and art/music cultural gatherings.

3) Political and economic issues---The current Alevi support for a strictly secular state comes after experiencing centuries of oppression under the Ottomans and discrimination from the majority Sunni population of Turkey. Today, the Turkish state officially recognizes Sunni Islam and has refused to recognize Alevism. With all citizens paying taxes, this policy discriminates unapologetically. Alevis watch their money go to the education system, for example, which teaches Sunni history in schools and refuses to mention Alevism. The state pays for enormous building projects such as the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, and gives nothing to Alevi communities. The state appoints and pays the salaries of Sunni Imams, funding that will soon increase under the new AKP government. The Dede told us that many Alevi don't admit their faith for the likelihood that they may suffer lower wages and other discrimination at their workplace.

Some Alevi I've met are angry, and some are sad. The majority, however, have an aura of patience and kind acceptance. I'll return to the cem evi next week for Thursday evening prayers, as I want to feel that community spirit again.

~~~alice