Alevi politics in contemporary Turkey

Abstract

In this article we attempt to cast light on Alevi politics in Turkey, mainly the diverse political orientations regarding Alevilik.' We note the differential political power the groups with different political orientations hold and their varied positionings vis-a-vis the Turkish state, as well as the competing political agendas they offer, and to which groups in the Alevi public these political agendas appeal and why. Alevilik is the second major religious formation after Sunnilik in Turkish society. There is no accurate information and consensus on the number of Alevis in the society because of the assimilative politics of the state since Ottoman times, as well as the tendency of the Alevi to hide their identities. Their estimated number by different sources however ranges from at least 10 per cent to over a quarter of the total population.2 Since the last decade Alevis have become more visible in society, and they have been more active in the political arena. We can talk about the re-politicization (for some, revivalism)3 of Alevilik in the Turkish civil society where the popular and academic literature on various aspects of Alevilik increased.4 Political debates initiated by various Alevi communities and popular demands of the Alevi population were carried onto the public sphere. With the development of and quantitative increase in the media in Turkey, Alevi identities found new channels to express themselves. General reasons for this re-politicization of Alevilik can be identified:5 Firstly, there is the fall of Communism and its effect on those Leftists close to Alevilik. This resulted in the redefinition of Alevilik as an alternative social movement (and clearly not a religious one). Secondly, the rise of Sunni political Islam has made the Alevi population, along with Sunni Kemalists, organize themselves as a counterforce against it, defending Kemalist principles, and particularly secularism. This point is also addressed by Kehl-Bodrogi who argues that the timing of the reawakening of Alevism was no coincidence: (The reawaking of Alevism) occurred at the peak of the political struggles to preserve the laicistic legacy of Kemalism. In this situation the Alevis were in a position to present themselves to secular Turkey