From the Belief Based Music Thought to the Cultural Representation Focused Music Perception in Alawism: The Traces of the Transformation in Mersin Djemevi

Abstract

Alevi belief based in Anatolia which is one of the gatherings reflecting the link between the belief and music has created the Anatolian cultural mosaic as well as not only transitional rituals that part of Semah tradition but also tradition of Zakir coming from esoteric. Music which has such a wide and key role on spiritual development of human beings, and the link between God, Human, and universe has become an important part of passing the tradition and spiritual knowledge through the cultural memory. All of this activity has brought a perception of music which is surrounded with mystical doktrine and the music has turn into a way of expressing spiritual and cultural information in this tradition. From the 1960s, as a result of proceses like urbanisation, modernisation and globalism, Alevi belief has appeared in different organisations, ceremonies, and concerts in the city centres which is completely different from how it was the belief occurred in the villages in the past. At this point, Cem rituals, zakir tradition, and music practicals has turn in an understanding of cultural togetherness, trying adapt to recent changes, and existence that trying get out their shells in cities. Thus, two main important factors whether if music is part of a programmed process or a kind of spiritual wellness which centre of belief alevi belief system have occurred. In this study, the answer has been looked for in Alevi Kultur Dernekleri Mersin Cemevi by focusing on differences in perception of the belief in the past and quality of the practices nowadays. As part this, this research which based on quality research methods and techniques has been carried out with an ethnographic approach.