The ocaks and their culture in the centre of Koca Bektaş Dede's Ocak

The concept of "ocak" holds a broad meaning in Anatolia and Turkish culture, encompassing not only fire and the place where the fire is kindled but also lineage, family, and clans. In Anatolia, ocaks are examined under the titles of spiritual leaders' ocaks and healing-ocaks in connection with these meanings. The ocak system originating in the Khorassan region has been passed down through generations to Anatolia, maintaining its unifying and integrative power, particularly embraced by Alawi communities today. The main focus of our study is The Ocak of Koca Bektaş Dede, a living one with a healing aspect. There are two opinions regarding whether Koca Bektaş Dede came to Anatolia and initiated activities in the 13th or 15th century. The Ocak of Koca Bektaş Dede, existing today through the lineage bearing the title "Beyler" (Lords), is associated with the Alawi community. Information about Koca Bektaş Dede is part of the oral tradition. These oral narratives, supported by written sources, have been analyzed to understand Koca Bektaş Dede's life and his relationship with other ocaks. The ocak system spreads over a wide area in the Akhisar district of Manisa province, and the current state of The Ocak of Koca Bektaş Dede in this region is explained by tracing its footsteps. Our study aims to integrate oral cultural narratives with historical research, using an interdisciplinary approach to ensure the lasting significance of almost forgotten narratives within the oral tradition.