Alevism programs in higher education: Example of Turkey, Germany and Austria

Alevism education is one of the most discussed topics in Turkey recently. The compulsory Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge course in Turkey is constantly compared with the Alevism education given in schools in Germany and Austria. The place of Alevism in higher education in Turkey and the place of Alevism in higher education in Germany and Austria are another subject of discussion. The absence of Alevism lessons in primary and secondary education can be cited as a reason for the absence of Alevism education in undergraduate programs in Turkey or Alevism lessons in theology faculties. Since graduates of bachelor education are assigned as "Alevism Religious Education" teachers in schools, Alevism education is included as bachelor program in German and Austrian higher education. On the other hand, students studying in Alevism and Bektashism studies programs that exist in graduate programs can be employed as academicians in Turkish higher education. Alevism education in graduate programs in Turkey and Alevism education in both bachelor and graduate programs in Germany and Austria are directly related to the education systems of the countries and religious education carried out in schools, and it is directly related to how Alevism education is/will be included in higher education as bachelor and graduate programs. Currently, Alevism graduate education program is implemented in 4 universities in Turkey. The development process, execution and employment opportunities of Alevism programs in universities in Turkey, Germany and Austria are discussed in this thesis. The history of Alevism studies and how these studies were conducted is also one of the topics dealt with in this thesis. In summary, Alevism education in higher education and schools constitutes the content of this study.