Cem ceremony in Alevi Bektashi culture (Case of Sivas)

Our research on the Cem Ceremonies in Alevi Bektashi Culture in Sivas consists of introduction and three parts. In the introduction part, it has been indicated the aims of the research, literature summary, method of the research, and the suggested assumptions including the methodological information related to the research. In the first part, the conceptual framework of the research is disclosed, and within the scope of the Cem ceremonies subject to the research, basic sociological and religious concepts have been examined. In the second part, the socio-cultural structure of Sivas, which is our research area, has been mentioned, the institutions of Alevi Bektashi tradition In Sivas have been discussed. In the third part, it has been observed the norms of Cem, specifically the way it is performed in Sivas, which is the main part of our study reflecting the essence of the Alevi Bektashi tradition. It has been acknowledged about the etymology of "Cem" term, and meaning of Cem, historical origin of the Cem, Cem types, 12 services on the Cem and the performance of Cem ceremonies. In conclusion, the way it is performed in Sivas and the local similarities and differences detected in Cem ceremonies have been put forward. All the data included in the study has been evaluated as common inferences have been obtained, and these inferences have been presented as a whole. Our study has shown that Cem ceremonies, which are extremely prominent in Alevi Bektashi faith, are going to continue to be performed in Sivas, which is our study area, influenced by modern structure. Key Words: Cem Ceremony, Alevism, Worship, Sociology of Religion.