Compilation by the Adıyaman Alevi Dede Ali Büyükşahin: The Alevism narratives on the axis of Dedelik

Anatolian Alevism is a syncretic belief system known as "Turkish Folk Islam" or "Folk Islam," which emerged as a result of the Turkish society's effort not to lose their selfidentity and to pass on their heritage to future generations. Among the reasons why it is syncretic, we can show that it emerged in Anatolia, which is multicultural geography. Anatolian Alevism has succeeded in concealing the essence of its old folk beliefs in the multicultural belief structures in Anatolia with various codings and has conveyed them to the present day. Many of these coded old folk beliefs have been illuminated by academic studies. With continued academic studies and new findings, we will be able to learn more about ancient folk beliefs. The Dedes, who are the leaders of the community in Alevi society, are at the top of the social hierarchy. The authority and sanction power of the dedes is a very effective power that ensures the social order of the community. Alevi Dedes belongs to the "Ocaks" located in various parts of Turkey. Therefore, they are also called Ocakzade. It is accepted that Ocakzade dedes are descendants of the Prophet, that is, they are sons of prophets, and therefore they are also called "seyyid". Dedes visit their disciples at certain times, organize religious ceremonies, inform the community and resolve conflicts. Our Adıyaman province, where traditional Alevism is still alive, provides a suitable environment for field studies. We believe that this study, which includes a literature review and field studies, was made specific to Adıyaman Alevi Dede Ali Büyükşahin, and we have provided first-hand useful information about the Dedelik Institution, which is the bearer of the belief and culture of Anatolian Alevism, to the academic literature. Keywords: Adıyaman Alevism, Dedelik Institution, Ali Büyükşahin.