Alevism

Alevism, Anatolian Alevism or Qizilbashism (/æˈlɛvɪzəm/; Turkish: Alevilik, Anadolu Aleviliği or Kızılbaşlık; Kurdish: Elewîtî, Rêya Heqî; Azerbaijani: Ələvilik, Qızılbaşlıq) is a heterodox and syncretic Islamic tradition, whose adherents follow the mystical Islamic teachings of Haji Bektash Veli, who is supposed to have taught the teachings of the Twelve Imams whilst incorporating some traditions from Christianity and Shamanism. Differing from Sunni Islam and Usuli Twelver Shia Islam, Alevis have no binding religious dogmas, and teachings are passed on by a spiritual leader as with Sufi orders. They acknowledge the six articles of faith of Islam, but may differ regarding their interpretation.

Originally one of many Sufi approaches within Sunni Islam; by the 16th century the order adopted some tenets of the Shia Islam, including a veneration of ʿAlī and the twelve imams, as well as a variety of syncretic beliefs. The Alevis acquired political importance in the 15th century, when the order dominated the Janissaries.

The term “Alevi-Bektashi” is currently a widely and frequently used expression in the religious discourse of Turkey as an umbrella term for the two religious groups of Alevism and Bektashism. Adherents of Alevism are found primarily in Turkey and estimates of the percentage of Turkey's population that are Alevi include between 4% and 25%.