A study (Arguvan sample) of religious beliefs and practices of Alewis in Malatya region

The aim of doctorate study named " A study ( Arguvan sample) of religious beliefs and practices of Alewis in Malatya region" is to identify beliefs and practices of Alawis in Arguvan region and evaluate them in terms of history of religions This study consisted of entry and four parts. In entry part, it was informed about subject of the research, its finiteness, its objective, its method, techniques used, concepts related to Alewism, historical development of Alewism in Anatolia and history of Arguvan and socio-economic structure. In the first part, the belief system of alewis in the region were mentioned. In the second part, ways of worship, indulging and instution of Dede were studied. In the third part, it was informed about transitional period, friendship and rituals of acceptance and confession. In the fourth part, the belief and the practices related to nature culture, visiting places were studied. By evaluating the datas acquired in terms of history of religions, it was tried out to be revealed historical background of the beliefs and practices of Alawis in the region. The data of the study was acquired through literature review and field research. The data acquired was put on paper by using descriptive and phenomenological methods The study ended with bibliography and appendix part. Key Words: Arguvan, Alewism, Religion, Belief, Institution of Dede, Practice, Transtional Periods, Visiting, Traditional Turkish Religion.