The family in Alevi ocaks: The case of Tunceli

This research focuses on the understanding of the family structure of the seven active main Alevi ocaks located in Tunceli. Theaim of the research is to explore family structures of the Alevidedes (spiritual leaders) and family members of these seven ocaks, and responses of ocaks to family institution, thus to figure out changes in the family structures in the process of social change. The theory used in there search is system approach that helps in understanding the characteristics and structure of thefamily. Within the field research, interviews were conducted with the dedes and family members residing in Tunceli and Elazığ. Findings were analyzed according to content analysis. Based on the findings, the family structure of Alevi dedes and people, socio-cultural changes in the family, and responses of family members to these changes were highlighted. From this point of view, two main themes and four sub-themes were reached. According to the general result of research themes, both Alevi dedes and family members said that Alevi community in their geography and the family structure of them in general have changed. While Alevi dedes explained these changes related to decline in the religious affiliation to Alevilik compared to past, and dissolution as a result of migration to big cities, family members attributed this to the young generations ability to adapt to change and to the requirements of time and space. Family members and Alevi dedes agreed that Alevilik intertwined with different cultures, differentiated accordingto time and space, and changing life styles, and Alevis could not resist to changes in their family structures like other societies. Therefore, both groups included in the field agreed that changes have occurred in the family structures in general, and as a result, they pointed out families have tried to adapt changing conditions by exercising their internal mechanisms. Key Words: Tunceli, Alevi, Ocak, Family, Change, Family Structure.