Religious and social life in Afyonkarahisar Alevis

Alevism is a religious and social phenomenon that emerged in the process of Turks' acceptance of Islam. Alevism continues in these lands by accepting the mystical interpretation of Islam as its basis, and by putting its old culture and beliefs in an Islamic color. The religious, social and cultural elements that exist in the traditional understanding of Alevism show a great change in modern times. While Alevis are self-sufficient in the countryside with their closed society structure, they have difficulty in maintaining their traditional, social, religious and cultural understanding with the phenomenon of urbanization and migration. Within the scope of this study, all Alevi settlements in Afyonkarahisar were visited, a questionnaire was applied to all of them, interviews were made, and participation in religious and social activities was ensured. According to the data obtained, information is given about the belief, worship and moral understanding of Afyonkarahisar Alevi and Bektashi groups. The religious and social life of the Alevis in Afyonkarahisar, while preserving the traditional features to a certain extent, shows a great change. Dede, companionship and hostility units, which are the basic institutions of traditional Alevism, still continue to a certain extent. However, it is observed that the reduction of observations is not obtained from the line. Afyonkarahisar sees Alevis in Islam, which does not see people in discussions about how Alevism is taken. The narratives between Alevis and Sunnis in Afyonkarahisar are at a very good level. Afyonkarahisar Alevis are uncomfortable with their Alavism being used in politics. According to them, first of all, Alevism should be evaluated and revealed within the general Islamic framework. Alevism, which is seen more as an identity today, continues its existence in certain settlements of Afyonkarahisar province as in many parts of the country; It is seen as one of the most important observations in organizing social life. Keywords: Afyonkarahisar, Alevism, Bektashism, belief, worship.