History
The Alevi belief and way of life have been around for thousands of years, and can be traced all the way back in history to the Sumerians.
The confusion over the Alevis is linked to a troubled past. Historically, Alevis have avoided bringing attention to themselves to avoid confrontation with authorities.
Authorities for centuries have oppressed, discriminated and massacred Alevis, forcing them into denial of their identity and assimilation into the dominant way of life. Alevis looked in hope for the establishment of the Republic of Turkey as liberation from the Ottoman oppression and religious discrimination. However, Alevis were once again not recognised as a distinct group and were oppressed, discriminated and politically assimilated. There were forced deportations by authorities, as well as masses of Alevis fleeing to other parts of Turkey and Europe because of fear for their lives. This resulted in much of the traditional Alevi culture and practices to be forgotten.
In 1925 the Turkish State adopted a policy of one race one religion, forcing Alevis to cloak themselves with Islamic veil to avoid persecution. In Alevi stories you will find some Islamic elements - this has been a deliberate way of hiding from those in power. Unfortunately policies allowing discrimination continues until today. One of the main obstacles for Alevis is the Turkish Governments perceptions of Turkey's identity - as being 99% Muslim.
The Alevi path, due to its unique identity, culture, communal structures and laws resisted against the dominant rulers. In the Alevi belief, there is a built in respect for other people's views and an emphasis on the mystical inner self. There is no support for power struggle in the Alevi philosophy. Alevi belief is dominated by deep humanism, love and tolerance.
The origins of Alevi philosophy is not the Middle East, nor Central Asia. Its birth place is Anatolia and Mesopotamia. For centuries ethnic and religious cultures living side by side have influenced one another. Therefore, in the Alevi practices we can see aspects of Zoroastrian, Shamanism, Judaism, and Christian rituals. Some claim Alevi path as an Islamic sect and denomination, but the only purpose of this has been to assimilate and dispose of the Alevi identity.