Massacre and Resistance, Bloody Migration Routes of Alevis
Türkçe
Slaughter and Resistance The Bloody Migration Routes of the Alevis
Elif Keleş O.
Alevism is a belief system that centers on humanity's sense of justice and conscience. However, this belief has been subjected to oppression and disregard throughout history simply because of its existence. The massacres that began with Yavuz Sultan Selim's perception of the "Kızılbaş Threat" during the Ottoman period resulted in the massacre of thousands of innocent Alevis. This historical process did not end in the Republican period, on the contrary, it continued with different methods.
Dersim is one of the darkest and most honorable pages of Alevi history. The military operation carried out as part of the state's assimilation policies in 1937-38 resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. The innocent people of Dersim, including women and children, were subjected to mass killings, villages were burned and people were forcibly displaced. The execution of Seyit Rıza and his friends left an indelible scar in the memory of the Alevi community.
The Dersim Massacre is not only a persecution against the Alevis, but also an effort to destroy a culture, a belief and a people. Today, the perpetrators of this massacre have still not been confronted and the wounds of Dersim have not healed.
The modernization policies of the Republic have brought new traumas for Alevis instead of their hope for equal citizenship:
Maraş Massacre (1978) Hundreds of Alevis were systematically targeted and their houses were set on fire.
Çorum Massacre (1980) As a result of organized attacks against Alevis, dozens of people lost their lives and villages were plundered.
Sivas The 33 people burned alive in the Madımak Hotel in 1993 are one of the most painful symbols of hostility towards Alevis.
The Gazi Neighborhood Incidents (1995) Dozens of people lost their lives in the attacks that began in Istanbul and the police intervention that followed.
Justice was never served in any of these massacres, the perpetrators were not punished, and the wounds of the Alevis are still left open.
The Gezi Resistance was a modern expression of the Alevis’ ongoing search for justice throughout history. Young Alevis were at the forefront of the resistance and shouted out their demands for rights, justice, and equality. However, the oppression experienced after Gezi has shown once again that the state policy towards Alevis has not changed.
The state policy towards Alevis is based on an unchanging understanding of disregard from history to the present. Alevis are still defined as a folkloric or cultural richness, not as a belief community.
Cemevi (Cem houses) Not Considered Places of Worship; Alevis' places of worship are not officially recognized, which restricts freedom of belief.
Compulsory Religion Classes; This practice, which is a modern tool of assimilation policies, puts pressure on Alevi children.
Obstacles in Political Representation; Alevis are kept away from visibility in politics and the public sphere, and their demands are ignored.
The migration story of the Alevis is not just a physical displacement, but a story of resistance. This journey from Dersim to Istanbul, from Anatolia to Europe, is part of the Alevis’ struggle to protect and keep their beliefs alive. Today, diaspora Alevis represent the modern face of this struggle with their cemevis and associations in Europe.
What happened from Dersim to Maraş, from Sivas to Gazi, are historical traumas not only for the Alevis but also for human dignity. Confronting these truths is a debt not only to the Alevis, but also to the future of these lands. The Alevis’ resistance against oppression, their continuing their faith with saz, semah and human dignity will remain as a light in our memory.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the publication of this article by Göç.com in 8 languages. To convey the history, resistance and search for truth of the Alevis to the world is to be a part of this struggle. I am grateful to Göç.com team and all friends who contributed.
May the traces of all the souls who walk on the path of truth and justice not be erased.
