National values and social integration in the Alevi-Bektashi poetry tradition

Poetry is a literary genre that arouses aesthetic feelings in the reader. Poets express what they want to say with an attractive language and harmony between the verses. Poetry in Alevi-Bektashi literature is based on a mystical system of thought. Developing from the 13th century onwards, the theme of these poems has been loving of God, Hz. Ali (as), love of humanity, and truthfulness. In the Alevi-Bektashi faith, the ancient practice of singing with instrumental accompaniment has become a part of the faith rather than a folkloric structure. The minstrels/zâkirs from this tradition play an important role in keeping the culture alive and passing it on to future generations. On the path opened by Hünkâr Hacı Bektaş Veli and Alevi-Bektashi elders, this faith, whose foundation is human love, has been subjected to oppression and persecution in various periods. Despite these persecutions and oppressions, Alevi-Bektashi sultans of saz and word have always been in favor of human love, peace and national values; they have stayed away from dualism and discrimination. In their poetry, they have continued to deal with these issues tirelessly in every century, inviting people to unity, love, respect, peace, national values and social integration.