Alevism

Alevism or Anatolian Alevism (Kurdish: Rêya Heqî;^[1] Persian: علویان; Turkish: Alevilik; Azerbaijani: Ələvilik) is a local syncretic Anatolian tradition,^[2] whose adherents follow the mystical (bāṭenī)^[3] teachings of Persian^{[4][5][6][7][8][9]} mystic Haji Bektash Veli, who is supposed to have taught the teachings of Ali and the Twelve Imams. Differing from both the mainstream Sunni and Shia, Alevis have no binding religious dogmas, and teachings are passed on by a spiritual leader. They generally acknowledge the six articles of faith of Islam, but may differ regarding their interpretation. The tradition is mainly followed by ethnic Kurds, Zazas and Turks. You must be born to an Alevi mother or father to be considered a Alevi.^[10]

Alevi mausoleum

Sources

• Bashir, Shahzad (2008). Olson, Carl (ed.). Celibacy and Religious Traditions. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-530632-3.