Alevi Encyclopedia Symposium (16-17 November, Dortmund): Strengthening the Future of Alevi Heritage and Knowledge
The Alevi Encyclopedia project, launched in March 2024 under the leadership of the Rıza Şehri Academy, has set out with the aim of systematizing and preserving Alevi knowledge, protecting it from misinformation, and countering the ongoing epistemic violence surrounding Alevi beliefs. This initiative, which draws on the voices, symbols, and emotional worlds of the Alevi community, has made significant strides toward safeguarding and producing Alevi knowledge from the community’s own perspectives. With the contributions of academics, community leaders, and researchers, this project is poised to be a valuable and forward-looking endeavor. The Encyclopedia’s web-based platform, planned to be multilingual (including Turkish, Kurmancî, Kirmanckî, English, German, and French), aims to present Alevi history, sociology, and anthropology to young generations, especially in Turkey and the European diaspora.
The scope and progress of the project were discussed in detail during the Alevi Encyclopedia Symposium, held on November 16-17, 2024, in Dortmund, Germany. This two-day event brought together scholars, faith leaders, representatives from Alevi institutions in Turkey and Europe, and representatives from communities with historical and cultural ties to Aleviism, including Êzidî, Yaresan (Ehli Haq), and Raa Haq communities. In the face of ongoing physical and epistemic violence against Aleviism, the symposium explored how to preserve and convey Alevi culture and identity using modern, scholarly methods.
On the first day of the symposium, three sessions focused on the compilation and transmission of Alevi knowledge, highlighting both the challenges and solutions. The discussions revealed the various issues stemming from state policies in Turkey, particularly those attempts to reframe Aleviism in ideological formats, which have ignored the cultural diversity inherent within the belief system. In response, initiatives such as Alevi Academies, which have gained momentum in Turkey and Europe, were emphasized as vital alternative efforts to preserve and communicate authentic Alevi knowledge. These developments suggested that the Alevi Encyclopedia could play a critical role in consolidating accurate knowledge and making it accessible.
The symposium also delved into the impact of digital technologies on the production and dissemination of Alevi knowledge. The digitalization of Alevi memory was seen as crucial for improving accessibility and diversifying information. Online platforms and digital museums were examined for their potential synergy with the Alevi Encyclopedia, reinforcing the importance of digital tools in the preservation and transmission of Alevi culture.
On the second day, the discussions broadened to include the resistance strategies of Alevi and related communities, such as Êzidîs and Yaresan, to assimilationist policies. The symposium acknowledged how these communities have faced efforts to erase their memories but have resisted through solidarity and collective action. The Alevi Encyclopedia, it was argued, could play an essential role in preserving the collective memory and knowledge of these communities, positioning it as a crucial platform for safeguarding their heritage.
Furthermore, the seminar sessions focused on Alevi beliefs and values, with discussions led by spiritual leaders such as the Pirler and Analar (Elder women). These leaders shared their experiences, highlighting the theological and practical aspects of Aleviism, particularly its emphasis on nature’s sanctity and environmental protection. The insights left a lasting impression on participants, reinforcing the vital role of the Alevi Encyclopedia in preserving these teachings and passing them on to future generations.
The closing session of the symposium emphasized the historic opportunity the Alevi Encyclopedia represents. It was viewed not only as a tool for documenting Alevi knowledge but also as a means to counteract assimilationist forces. Participants highlighted the need for collaboration with Alevi federations, academics, and media to strengthen the project’s impact. The collective commitment to supporting the initiative financially and morally underscored the importance of building an inclusive and multifaceted knowledge resource.
Looking ahead, the planned launch of the Encyclopedia’s website in early 2025, along with a public call for content contributions in January 2025 and the gradual publication of written content by June 2025, promises a structured timeline for its development. The Alevi Encyclopedia is not just a knowledge source, but a project that will preserve the historical and cultural realities of Aleviism, contributing to its international recognition and leaving a robust legacy for future generations.
Alevi Encyclopedia
November 2024
