Alevism

What Is Alevism?

Gender equality, a close connection to nature, tolerance, openness to the world, modesty, and helpfulness are core elements of Alevi teachings. Alevis regard all peoples as equal and, in keeping with their historical tradition, stand up for the oppressed and the vulnerable.

The Teaching

For the independent Alevi religious community, everything is considered divine. Therefore, “God” can be discovered throughout nature and within oneself. Alevism is often described as a teaching of liberation and freedom.

Alevism is also a path of love and the heart. The goal of every devout Alevi is to become a perfected human being.

The Practice

Poetry, dance, and music play a central role in the religious and cultural life of Alevis—especially the playing of the Bağlama, the traditional Turkish long-necked lute.

Alevism is also a contemporary spiritual path that remains in harmony with the findings and insights of modern science.

Origins

Approximately 95 percent of all Alevis originate from Turkey. With around 20 percent of the population, they form the second-largest religious community in Turkey after Sunni Muslims. Nevertheless, Alevism is still not officially recognized as an independent religion in Turkey.

Alevis live in all provinces of Turkey, although the majority are concentrated in Central and Eastern Anatolia.

Through migration, active Alevi communities have now been established in many countries around the world, including Germany.

Alevis in Germany

Between 500,000 and 800,000 people with Alevi roots live in Germany, although the exact number is difficult to determine. It is estimated that around 20 to 30 percent of people with Anatolian migration backgrounds in Germany are Alevi.

The Alevi community in Germany consists of people from Turkish-speaking, Kurdish-speaking, and Zaza-speaking backgrounds.

The Alevi community is legally recognized in Germany as a religious community under Article 7, Paragraph 3 of the German Basic Law.

In the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin, the Alevi Community of Germany is also recognized as a public-law corporation.

Alevi Teachings

Alevism offers a comprehensive worldview that addresses the origin of the universe, the history of humanity, human self-perfection, the relationship between God and humanity, the relationship between people and nature, and visions for the future. It seeks to answer the fundamental questions associated with these topics.

Because of its distinctive worldview and theological foundations, publications rightly emphasize the independent nature of Alevism as a unique faith tradition.

Foundations of Alevism

Alevism has a long history and a rich theological background. On our subpages dedicated to the foundations of Alevism, you can learn more about our religion, beliefs, and history.