Editing Alevism

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; width:320px;"
! colspan="2" | Alevism
|-
! Family
| Islamic / Anatolian
|-
! Origin region
| Anatolia and surrounding regions
|-
! Founding period
| Medieval and early modern formation with older Islamic, Sufi, and Anatolian influences
|-
! Estimated adherents
| Estimates vary; Alevi communities are found especially in Turkey and diaspora communities.
|}

'''Alevism''' is a religious and cultural tradition associated with Anatolia and the broader Islamic world, often emphasizing devotion to Ali, spiritual interpretation, music, poetry, communal ritual, and ethical life.

== Overview ==

Alevism is diverse and cannot be reduced to a single creed or school. It is commonly associated with reverence for Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt, Sufi and Bektashi influences, the cem ceremony, sacred poetry, music, and a strong emphasis on inner meaning, moral conduct, and community solidarity. Alevi identity may be understood religiously, culturally, ethnically, or politically depending on the community and individual.

== Key beliefs ==

* Reverence for Ali and the family of the Prophet Muhammad
* Emphasis on inner meaning, spiritual maturity, and ethical conduct
* Importance of community, consent, reconciliation, and moral accountability
* Respect for saints, poets, teachers, and spiritual lineages
* Diverse interpretations of Islamic law, scripture, and ritual obligation

== Practices ==

* Cem ceremonies involving prayer, music, and communal devotion
* Use of the saz and sacred hymns or nefes
* Commemorations connected to Karbala and the Twelve Imams in many communities
* Community meals, reconciliation, and ethical accountability
* Transmission through elders, dedes, ocaks, and cultural memory

== Places of worship ==

* Cemevis, homes, community centers, shrines, and gathering halls

== Sacred texts ==

* The Qur’an is respected, along with Alevi-Bektashi poetry, oral teaching, sayings, and writings connected to Ali, the Imams, Haji Bektash Veli, and other revered figures

== Holidays and observances ==

* Observances vary and may include Muharram commemorations, Ashura, Hızır fasts, Nevruz, and local saints’ days

== Branches and related traditions ==

* [[Islam]]
* [[Sufism]]
* [[Bektashi Order]]
* [[New Religious Movements]]

== See also ==

* [[Religion]]
* [[Theology]]
* [[Philosophy of religion]]
* [[New Religious Movements]]
* [[Indigenous and Traditional Religions]]

[[Category:Religions]]
[[Category:Islamic traditions]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern religions]]