Emergence of Alevi Cultural Identities

In the rising momentum for new and reformulated cultural identities, the Turkish Alevi have also emerged on the scene, demanding due recognition.

Milestones in Alevi History

In this process a number of dramatic events have served as important milestones: the clashes between Sunni and Alevi in Kahramanmaras in 1979 and Corum in 1980, the incendiarism in Sivas in 1992, and the riots in Istanbul (Gaziosmanpasa) in 1995.

Interest in Alevi Folklore and Religious Practices

Less evocative, but in the long run more significant, has been the rising interest in Alevi folklore and religious practices.

Questions of Identity

Questions have also arisen as to what this branch of Islamic heterodoxy represents in terms of old and new identities.

Scholarly Perspectives

In this book, these questions are addressed by some of the most prominent scholars in the field.