The alevi Cem rituals within the context of relationship between music and worship

In this study, the Alevi Cem ritual is discussed in the context of worship music. In the first sect, the function of music in worship and the dynamics of worship that is the factors that determine the dimension, shape and flow of music in worship are discussed. In the second sect, the historical, religious and cultural origins of Anatolia Alevi people and projection of this historical, religious and cultural structure at Anatolia Alevi people's current belief forms and cem rituals are examined. In the third sect, the impacts of urbanization on Alevi belief and culture as general, and as special on Narlıdere Alevi people's belief, culture, rituals and music pratics in rituals are examined. It is possible to see in numerous examples that music is used as a part of worship in all around the world because it encourages worship, provides strong foundations to religious beliefs and facilitate to connect God wholeheartedly. For Anatolia Alevi culture, which roots extend to Central Asia, which has a heterodox and syncretic belief system and puts philanthropy in its center, music is an essential element of worship. Alevi collective worship is called Cem. Cem means to gather, to meet, to come together. İn Cem rituals, music is fully associated with worship; so it is holy and not for watch. In Cem rituals, the basic instrunent is "bağlama". "Bağlama" and poets whose poems are sung are holy too. In Cem music, aesthetic elements such as artistic creavity and virtuosity are not very important. Functionality is rather foreground. Music is a tool to convey the Alevi doctrines. In lyrics it is observed that there is a immanent God perception rather than a transcendental God perception. The lyrics are simple and clear. Towards the end of Cem, worship dance which is called "semah" is performed. In semah, by certain figures and turning, is intended to approach God. At the end of Cem, dirges are sung. These dirges commemorates the martyrdrom of Hz. Hüseyin, the son of Hz. Ali in Karbala Desert. While these dirges are being sung, everybody stand up hand in hand and shed tears. The ritual is accompanied by music from beginning to end. İngilizce Anahtar Kelimeler: 1- Worship 2- Ritual 3- Heterodox 4- Alevi 5-Music