Evaluation of Alevism and Bektashism beliefs and rituals in terms of religious anthropology

In religious studies, so far two types of trends have been encountered; normativism and descriptivism. Those who work in theology-kalam and religious sciences are affiliated with these two movements. Those who are interested in the branch of theology-kalam for the purpose of "teaching and applying" the information of any religion only work with the first stream, while those who treat and study religion or religions as "scientific" work with the second stream. Religious sciences that fall into the second trend (descriptive movement) include sociology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy of religion, religious folklore, history and comparative history of religions. However, due to the natural need and the development of science, there had to be another movement apart from these: "understanding". In this study, Alevism and Bektashism, which is a product of our rich culture before and after Islam, has been examined. While doing this, we set out to understand Alevism and Bektashism in regard to the need expressed above. Our study discusses about the evaluation of Alevism and Bektashism beliefs and rituals in terms of religious anthropology. Alevism and Bektashism, which have more than one group in their sub-branches, undoubtedly have a rich cultural heritage. Our study is not based on any region, city, or village. What is taken as a basis are the beliefs and rituals accepted by all members of Alevism and Bektashism. In the introduction of our study, the subject, purpose, and method of our research are stated. In the first part, which we call the conceptual and theoretical framework, some basic concepts that are important both for the anthropology of religion and for Alevism and Bektashism are included. In the first chapter, the historical development process, and theories of anthropology of religion are also stated. In the second part, Alevism and Bektashism beliefs and rituals are evaluated in terms of anthropology of religion in two separate sub-sections. This study aims to take a culture-oriented perspective at the beliefs and rituals of Alevism and Bektashism. While sociology of religion studies the religion as a social structure, anthropology of religion focuses on the cultural patterns of the religion. While doing this analysis, anthropology of religion uses the cultural process, the roots of the relevant culture and the interaction of cultures as base.