Non-governmental organizations of Türkmen Alevi (Tahtaci) communities in Germany

Alevi identity, rooted in thousands of years of history and not yet fully conceptualized, continues to exist as both a religious and cultural identity. Alevis, whose belief systems are shaped by an understanding that prioritizes social solidarity, exhibit diversity, particularly in Anatolia, encompassing different ethnic and sectarian groups. Türkmen Alevis, as a significant part of this rich structure, are a community that speaks Turkish, preserves Turkish traditions and customs, and sustains Alevi belief within their cultural context. Known mostly as "Tahtacis" as well, this group historically earned their livelihood through woodworking and carpentry in forested areas, adopting a semi-nomadic lifestyle that created a unique social structure. This way of life allowed Türkmen Alevis to remain relatively isolated from broader society, thereby preserving their traditions and strengthening their identity as a distinct community. In 1961, Germany's call for labor initiated a wave of mass migration from Türkiye to Europe. This process was not limited to economic reasons but also brought about social, cultural, and political transformations. The Turkish workers' efforts to establish new lives in Germany pushed them into a process of identity construction, and over time, these migrants became an integral part of their host country. Türkmen Alevis were also part of this migration wave, initially forming associations to unite, later expanding these structures into federations and confederations. These organizations laid the groundwork for Türkmen Alevis to advocate for their faith-based rights, preserve their cultural identity, and emerge as an active community in the political arena. Replacing traditional institutions (such as dedelik and dergâhlık), these civil society organizations have played a critical role in both cultural transmission and political participation. While integrating into the German political system, the Türkmen Alevi community has also made their rights more visible through civil society initiatives. This research sheds light on the social, cultural, and political differences across generations of Türkmen Alevis while analyzing their migration processes with the helps of interviews and netnography techniques. These dynamics have shaped both the position of Türkmen Alevis among migrant communities in Germany and their relations with Türkiye. The migration experiences, civil society organizations, and political participation of Türkmen Alevis have emerged as defining factors in the formation of the multi-layered Turkish community in Germany.