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Kurdish Alevism[1] (Kurdish: Rêya Heqî, lit. 'The Path of God/Truth'[2] or Elewîtî)[3] refers to the unique rituals, sacred place practices, mythological discourses and socio-religious organizations among Kurds who adhere to Alevism.[4] Kurdish Alevis consider their hereditary sacred lineages as semi-deific figures,[2] often have beliefs more rooted in nature veneration,[5][1] and put more emphasis on Pir Sultan Abdal as their religious symbol, unlike Turkish Alevis who emphasize the role of Haji Bektash Veli.[6] Some Kurdish Alevis argue that their beliefs are related to Ahl-e Haqq and Yazidism.[7]
The Kurdish Alevi population has experienced religious and ethnic discrimination, oppression and forced assimilation which have significantly impacted their identity.[8] Two Kurdish Alevi rebellions were crushed by Turkish forces in the 20th century; the Koçgiri rebellion in 1921 and the Dersim rebellion in 1937–1938.[5] Kurdish Alevis were also the main victims of the Maraş massacre in 1978.[9]
The heartland and sacred land of Kurdish Alevis is the Dersim region.[10]
- ^ a b Gültekin (2019), p. 12.
- ^ a b Gültekin (2019), p. 10.
- ^ "Banga Pîrên Elewiyên Dêrsimê; 'Li zimanê xwe xwedî derbikevin'". Rûdaw (in Kurdish). 18 January 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
- ^ Gültekin (2019), p. 3.
- ^ a b Dressler (2008).
- ^ Wakamatsu (2013), p. 72.
- ^ van Bruinessen (2015), p. 577.
- ^ Gültekin (2019), p. 5.
- ^ Sinclair-Webb (2003), p. 222–223.
- ^ Gültekin (2019), p. 4.