About the Encyclopedia
The Alevi Encyclopedia project, initiated by the Rıza Şehri Academy in April 2024, aims to compile knowledge about Alevism from its original sources as we complete the first quarter of the 21st century. This includes systematically categorising and analysing existing written materials and presenting them to readers in a comprehensive and accessible format. The project aspires to make this knowledge available to the global public through a technologically advanced platform, ensuring its continuity for future generations.
The Alevi Encyclopedia is designed as an indispensable knowledge platform to overcome obstacles and threats to the historical existence of Alevism. It embodies the academic and intellectual accumulation of the last 30 years, expressing Alevism through its own voice, concepts, thoughts, and emotions. By compiling knowledge about Alevism and delivering it to new generations, researchers, and scholars without distortion, it serves as a robust digital platform.
Why an Encyclopedia?
Encyclopedias differ from dictionaries and anthologies in terms of scope, writing style, and functionality. Since their modern formation in 18th-century France, encyclopedias have served as essential tools to enlighten society, offering historical and contemporary knowledge filtered through scientific methods. By equipping society with the power of accurate knowledge, they have played a revolutionary role in liberating people from the yoke of ancient regimes. Applying this revolutionary character to Alevism, which faces repression on multiple fronts, is a significant step forward.
Preserving Historical Heritage
Throughout history, Alevism has confronted forced assimilation, massacres, and the distortion of its cultural heritage and collective knowledge. Consequently, significant efforts and debates have focused on understanding, preserving, and transmitting Alevi cultural heritage accurately. The Alevi Encyclopedia is a powerful, comprehensive, and multifaceted source of Alevi knowledge, aiming to preserve this heritage and ensure that future generations learn about Alevism through authentic and scientifically filtered information.
By addressing misinformation, the Alevi Encyclopedia contributes to the Alevi community’s understanding, strengthening, and transmission of its cultural identity. It reflects the cultural heritage of Alevi communities from various ethnic and/or religious-traditional backgrounds, promoting a holistic understanding of Alevi identity. This solid foundation enables the construction of a cohesive sense of Alevi identity while showcasing the diversity and richness of the Alevi community.
Comprehensive and Scientific Approach
Given the growing diversification and rapid dissemination of knowledge about Alevism in multiple languages worldwide, the Alevi Encyclopedia strives to provide the broadest possible scope. It considers diverse academic and intellectual perspectives and interpretations while adhering to scientific standards.
The encyclopedia covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Concepts and institutions in Alevi culture.
- Historical background.
- Contemporary sociological and anthropological dimensions.
- Symbols, values, emotions, and oral cultural heritage.
These entries are authored by experts, researchers, and academics in their respective fields and are published with the approval of the editorial board.
Digital and Dynamic Content
As a digital platform, the Alevi Encyclopedia remains dynamic and open to updates, reflecting the evolving social reality and expanding its scope and quality over time.
Multilingual Access
The encyclopedia aspires to become a multilingual platform accessible to anyone interested in learning about Alevism, particularly younger generations in the European diaspora. In the future, translations into various European languages will make the encyclopedia available to a broader audience.
Contributors
Contributions to the Alevi Encyclopedia are not limited to academics. Community leaders, intellectuals, knowledgeable members of the Alevi community, and spiritual leaders are also encouraged to contribute. This inclusive approach ensures the transmission of the diversity and heritage within the Alevi cultural world.
