Alevism
Sign in to saveAlevism (; ; ), also known as Qizilbashism, is a syncretic and mystic tradition, formulated by Haji Bektash Veli. It is generally agreed that it is akin to a Sufi rendition of Twelver Shi'ism that integrates Central Asian shamanic elements, though some dissenting voices base the Alevi belief squarely in a non-denominational, heterodox Anatolian Islam instead. They acknowledge the six articles of faith of Islam, but may differ regarding their interpretation. Lack of gender segregation in ritual contexts and clergy is one of the key features that sets Alevism apart from Muslim orthodoxy.
AI overview
Alevism is a mystical Islamic tradition that blends Shi'ite beliefs with Central Asian spiritual practices and is distinguished by practices like the lack of gender segregation in rituals and religious leadership, which differ significantly from mainstream Islam. It matters because it represents a major alternative interpretation of Islam, particularly in Anatolia, with millions of adherents who practice their faith in ways that challenge conventional Islamic orthodoxy.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Religion.image
- Semah and saz.jpg
- Religion.caption
- Women partaking in Semah ritual
- Religion.name
- Alevism
- Religion.native_name
- Alevilik
- Religion.founder
- Haji Bektash Veli
- Religion.founded_date
- 13th-century
- Religion.founded_place
- Sulucakarahöyük
- Religion.scripture
- Quran, Nahj al-Balagha, Makalat and Buyruks
- Religion.leader_name1
- Dede
- Religion.area
- Turkey & Balkans
- Religion.language
- Turkish, Albanian, Kurdish, and Zazaki
- Religion.headquarters
- Haji Bektash Veli Complex, Nevşehir, Turkey
Article
34 sectionsContents
- Beliefs
- God
- Wahdat al-wujud and panentheism
- Spirits and afterlife
- Scriptures and main figures
- Jurisprudence
- Other elements
- Practices
- Hierarchy
- Cem and Cemevi
- Twelve services
- Rituals
- Festivals
- Muharram
- Hıdırellez
- Müsahiplik
- Folk practices
- Visitations
- Almsgiving
- Infant initiation
- History
- Seljuk period
- Ottoman period
- Republic of Turkey
- Organization
- Relationship with other groups
- Demographics
- Population estimates
- Social groups
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Bibliography
- External links
Alevism (; ; ), also known as Qizilbashism, is a syncretic and mystic tradition, formulated by Haji Bektash Veli. It is generally agreed that it is akin to a Sufi rendition of Twelver Shi'ism that integrates Central Asian shamanic elements, though some dissenting voices base the Alevi belief squarely in a non-denominational, heterodox Anatolian Islam instead. They acknowledge the six articles of faith of Islam, but may differ regarding their interpretation. Lack of gender segregation in ritual contexts and clergy is one of the key features that sets Alevism apart from Muslim orthodoxy.
Although the main order amongst Alevis, the Bektashi order, were appointed as the military chaplains until the Auspicious Incident; historical Qizilbash affiliation created political rifts which caused them to be persecuted both in Ottoman and modern Turkish regimes, being described as heterodox to contrast them with the "orthodox" Sunni majority.