The Alevis in Modern Turkey and the Diaspora: Recognition, Mobilisation and Transformation

The book explores the struggles of Alevis for recognition and representation in Turkey and the diaspora, examining their mobilization against state practices and claiming their rights while negotiating their identity. It offers a conceptual framework to study minorities by looking at structural and agency-related factors in resisting state pressure and mobilizing for their rights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Alevis, a minority group in Turkey and the diaspora, face significant challenges in achieving recognition and representation. This book explores their struggles and how they mobilize against state practices to claim their rights. The authors propose a conceptual framework that examines both structural and agency-related factors in resisting state pressure and mobilizing for their rights.

Alevis have a rich cultural heritage and have been subjected to discrimination and marginalization throughout history. They have faced various forms of state repression, including forced assimilation, forced conversion, and persecution. Despite these challenges, Alevis have maintained their identity and have worked to promote their rights.

One of the key strategies used by Alevis to achieve recognition and representation is through political activism. Alevis have formed political parties, organizations, and movements that advocate for their rights and promote their cultural heritage. They have also participated in elections and other political processes to gain representation in government.

However, political activism can be challenging for Alevis due to the political climate in Turkey. The government has been accused of targeting Alevis and has implemented policies that discriminate against them. For example, the government has banned the use of the Kurdish language in public schools and has restricted the freedom of expression of Alevis.

Despite these challenges, Alevis have continued to mobilize and advocate for their rights. They have organized protests, rallies, and other events to raise awareness about their issues and to demand change. They have also worked to build bridges with other minority groups and to promote interfaith dialogue.

In addition to political activism, Alevis have also used cultural practices to promote their identity and to resist state pressure. They have maintained their traditional music, dance, and cuisine, and have used these practices to connect with other Alevis and to promote their cultural heritage. They have also organized cultural festivals and events to showcase their culture to a wider audience.

However, cultural practices can also be vulnerable to state repression. The government has been accused of targeting cultural practices that are not in line with its conservative Islamic ideology. For example, the government has banned the use of the Kurdish language in public schools and has restricted the freedom of expression of Alevis.

To address these challenges, Alevis have worked to build alliances with other minority groups and to promote interfaith dialogue. They have also worked to build a stronger sense of identity and to promote their cultural heritage.

One of the key challenges facing Alevis is the lack of recognition and representation in the media. The media has been accused of perpetuating stereotypes and misinformation about Alevis and has failed to provide a fair and accurate portrayal of their issues. Alevis have worked to address this issue by creating their own media outlets and by working with other media organizations to promote their issues.

In conclusion, Alevis, a minority group in Turkey and the diaspora, face significant challenges in achieving recognition and representation. This book explores their struggles and how they mobilize against state practices to claim their rights. The authors propose a conceptual framework that examines both structural and agency-related factors in resisting state pressure and mobilizing for their rights. By building alliances with other minority groups and promoting interfaith dialogue, Alevis can work to build a stronger sense of identity and to promote their cultural heritage.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474492034