Alevis in Turkey

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors summarize the Alevi belief system, along with the similarities and differences between Alevi and Sunni and Shi'i practices. They describe population estimates and difficulties therein. The authors cover the historical background of Alevis amid the formation of the Turkish state, starting in the Ottoman period. They explore the demands of Alevis and the difficulties that they experience in their daily lives. The authors evaluate the Alevi openings during the Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi (AKP) period, the reasons for their failure and more contemporary developments. Alevi heterodoxy has a historical background which renders many of the demands voiced by the current Alevi movement sensitive to both pro-Islamist and their opponents. The Bektashi tradition in the Ottoman state was abolished, and the Sunni sects became dominant in the upper strata of the Ottoman Empire. AKP was founded by the reformist wing of Welfare Party (Refah Partisi or RP), which was an Islamist-conservative party.