Alevism
Turkish Islamic tradition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alevism (/æˈlɛvɪzəm/; Turkish: Alevilik; Kurdish: Elewîtî[11][failed verification]) is a heterodox[12] and syncretic[13] Islamic tradition, whose adherents follow the mystical Islamic teachings of Haji Bektash Veli, who supposedly taught the teachings of the Twelve Imams, whilst incorporating some traditions from Tengrism.[14] Differing from Sunni Islam and Usuli Twelver Shia Islam, Alevis have no binding religious dogmas, and teachings are passed on by a spiritual leader as with Sufi orders.[15] They acknowledge the six articles of faith of Islam, but may differ regarding their interpretation.[10]
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Alevism | |
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Alevilik | |
Scripture | Quran, Nahj al-Balagha, Makalat and Buyruks |
Leader | Dede |
Teachings of | [9] |
Theology | Haqq–Muhammad–Ali |
Region | Turkey |
Language | Turkish, Azerbaijani, Kurdish, and Zazaki[10] |
Liturgy | Cem, Sama |
Headquarters | Haji Bektash Veli Complex, Nevşehir, Turkey |
Founder | Haji Bektash Veli |
Origin | 13th-century Sulucakarahöyük |
Originally one of many Sufi approaches within Sunni Islam; by the 16th century the order adopted some tenets of the Shia Islam, including a veneration of ʿAlī and the twelve imams, as well as a variety of syncretic beliefs. The Alevis acquired political importance in the 15th century, when the order dominated the Janissaries.[16]
The term “Alevi-Bektashi” is currently a widely and frequently used expression in the religious discourse of Turkey as an umbrella term for the two religious groups of Alevism and Bektashism.[17] Adherents of Alevism are found primarily in Turkey and estimates of the percentage of Turkey's population that are Alevi include between 4% and 25%.[10][18][19]