Alevism is a unique religious and cultural tradition that originated in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) in the 13th century. It is an interpretation of Islam that emphasises spiritual inner enlightenment, the unity of God (tawhid) and the goal of achieving closeness to Allah. At its core, Alevism is a mystical and spiritual faith that sees the divinity of the soul as central to its teachings and practices.
The Alevi understanding of the soul is rooted in the concept of wahdat al-wujud, or the “unity of existence.” This belief holds that the apparent separation between Creator and creation is in reality an illusion; there is no separation between the human soul and God. The soul is seen as a divine spark, a part of the divine that has been sent to the earth to evolve and mature. The ultimate goal is to recognise and awaken to this divinity within oneself in order to return to one’s true essence and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Alevism teaches that the soul passes through many stages, not just in this life but also in the afterlife, in order to become pure enough to return to its origin and achieve reunion with the Beloved (God). Each lifetime is an opportunity for spiritual growth and self-purification. The soul’s journey is one of self-knowledge, self-discipline, and the practice of evolutionary virtues. The more the soul becomes like God in character, the more it will be drawn back to God.
This process of spiritual evolution is facilitated through the spiritual practices and rituals of Alevism. The central ritual is called a cem, which involves music, dance, and meditation all night until sunrise. Participants sit in a circle and listen to the spiritual leader, who sings hymns and tells stories of the prophets and saints. The community joins in singing and in ritual dances called semah and undergoes trance and spiritual ecstasy. This collective spiritual practice creates a feeling of communal soul and facilitates the experience of divine unity.
The main pillars of Alevism are love and tolerance. The Alevi path is one of love and compassion for all, transcending ethnic, religious and national boundaries. The famous 13th century Alevi poet Yunus Emre expressed this in his words: “No matter if you’re far away or really close, I am the same as you. We all breathe the same air, the same rain falls on us, and the same earth takes us back. I’m nothing special, yet I’m a part of all this, through all of time.”
Alevism also teaches four doors and forty rules as a guide for its adherents. The four doors are the Sharia (Islamic law), the Tariqat (spiritual path), the Marifat (divine knowledge) and the Haqiqat (reality/truth). The forty rules include principles of treating others with respect and equality, forgiving others as God forgives, never leaving anyone in need, not lying or gossiping, treating all equally regardless of faith, and keeping promises.
The Alevi place a strong emphasis on social justice, human rights and gender equality. They do not have a hierarchical structure and their rituals allow for full participation of both men and women. Alevi women play an important role in the community and are often teachers, spiritual leaders and authors of hymns.
Alevism sees the human soul as profoundly divine and eternal, and its purpose is to awaken to and embody this divinity through the practices of self-knowledge, self-discipline, and virtues. This path of love aims to bring all souls into recognition of their oneness and to their source. As an Alevi saying goes, “He who knows himself knows God.”
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