Alevi Struggles

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the question of Alevism from a socio-historical perspective to explain the political implications of Alevi claims to equal citizenship in Turkey. The discussion begins with the challenge of reaching a consensus about the definition of Alevism. A set of questions regarding historical, theological and ethno-linguistic origins of Alevism underlie the political framework for accommodating Alevi difference. However, the ambiguity surrounding the definition and political status of Alevism has simultaneously prevented competing political tendencies such as the secular republicanism, conservative-Islamism as well as Turkish and Kurdish nationalisms from subsuming Alevist politics. After struggling thirty years for recognition, Alevis have been able determine their own political agenda and voice their own demands by rendering themselves a visible community at home and abroad. In this sense, Alevis constitute a “significant other” of Turkish nationalism and Alevi politics link up with further critical issues such as migration, nationalization, urbanization and secularization in Turkey.