The fragmentation of Alevilik as exemplified in the case of Gazi Mahallesi: Three Cemevis, three free spaces

This thesis scrutinizes the fragmentation of Alevilik as exemplified in the case of Gazi Mahallesi and three Cemevis. From a larger perspective, the Alevis have organized their own identity movement after the 1980s which has a fragmented characteristic. Cemevis have emerged as a result of this fragmented movement within the same fragmented characteristic. The 1990s are significant date for appearance of Cemevis in public sphere, and the thesis analyze the fragmented characteristic of Alevilik over Cemevis. In this regard, Gazi Mahallesi was chosen to conduct fieldwork. Existence of three Cemevis in the neighbourhood which addressed the fragmented characteristic of Alevilik was investigated as a case study. However, the reason of Gazi's unique situation required analyze the Cemevis within the framework of "free spaces". Therefore, It argues existence of three Cemevis in the neighbourhood indicates the fragmented characteristic of Alevilik. However, their ways of construction were intrinsic to the neighbourhood which caused to analyze as free spaces. This study involves extensive review of the current literature on Alevilik, and analysis of the many conversations and 20 in-depth interviews conducted by using participant observation method in Gazi Mahallesi and there Cemevis as well. Namely, this study aims to present the fragmented characteristic over three Cemevis in Gazi Mahallesi and its unique position as well.