Origin
Alevis are a sub-ethnic and cultural community from Anatolia (modern day Turkey), numbering in the millions. Alevis descended mainly from Anatolia.
Alevi belief is a way of life that also appears in other parts of the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans.
The Alevi path as a belief system is an ancient way of testifying that has been passed on through oral traditions in all of the languages with which Alevis have became acquainted.
Oral tradition is directly relevant to the ethnic identity of Alevis. An important source of Alevi beliefs and thought are the mystical poems and musical ballads (deyisler, nefesler) that have been passed down from generation to generation, many of which have not been recorded in writing. Among the greatest Alevi-Bektashi poet-musicians (asiklar, ozanlar) are Yunus Emre (13-14th century), Kaygusuz Abdal (15th century), and Pir Sultan Abdal (16th century).
Humanistic attitude or what is often called Humanism is Alevis lens on and way of perceiving the world. In the Alevi path, divine presence is universal and resides in the heart of all humans.
This belief is based on love and respect for all people, attitudes, knowledge, sharing and science. Alevis believe that one must respect and have knowledge of nature. Alevi principles promote and encourage individuals to behave modestly, to feed, refine and mature. The principles of love, tolerance and humanism are significant to Alevi philosophy.
Alevis believe goodness in humans, and this is expressed by the Alevis saying: 'Insan Hakta Hak Insanda'. The Alevis do not believe in a god in an individualized form or as a universal force. Rather, god is within every human being as well as everything in the universe.