Alevism as a ‘Majority’: Alevi and Sunni Communities in Dersim

Abstract

Alevis are often presented as a religious minority subjected to suppression and in alliance with the Kemalist state. This chapter gives an alternative understanding of Alevis in Tunceli (Dersim) where Kurdish Alevi (Kırmancki- and Kurmanci-speaking) communities constitute the majority of the population. The purpose of this chapter is to understand the dynamics between Alevi and Sunni communities in Dersim. The chapter describes Alevi and Sunni communities’ geographical distribution, gives a short history of their relations, and explains their (self) descriptions about each other. Understanding the relationships between Alevis and Sunnis in a region where Alevis have been the majority is crucial for apprehending how the minority has been shaped by the majority and the background of common practices and shared understandings between the communities. The chapter concludes by pointing out its contributions to the broader Alevi studies.