An Unrecognised Muslim Minority

This video is about the Alevi community in Istanbul and the attendance at a Cem of two reporters -Pelin Turgut and Nathan Thornburgh - for the Time Magazine. A quick but comprehensive representation of the community is what follows. The Alevi's past is much greater  than anyone could have  imagined, starting from nearly 12th century. After many years of mistrust and introversion , they decided their voice to be heard and  initiated an "openness" policy, where anyone who would like to know about them could join their Assemblies. In contrast to Orthodox Sunni gatherings, we can observe the mixture of sexes and  generations in that Cem. Even more they participate together in the Cem ceremony, as we can see a girl washing a boy's hands and vice versa. The absence of any dressing code within it, is also a remarkable feature. We cannot ommit to refer to the representations of their saints, Ali, the nephew and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, in particular, who  according to Alevis' faith was the successor of Muhammad and expressed -according to them- the true faith. However, Alevi is quite a syncretistic religion, carrying characteristics from other religions or sects as well. " Control your hand, your tongue and your loins" is what they primarily support. That is  the  secret for a balanced life:  trying to avoid any violent actions, any offending words or any immoral behaviour concerning your body. Such a phrase could well be considered as some kind of advice, which  led at first the majority to think of Alevis' faith as a humanitarian approach  rather than a religion. But, Alevism is , in fact, a religion , different in practice and beliefs from Orthodox Sunni Islam, characterizing almost 1/4 of turkish population. How will turkish government deal with them and all religious minority in general, is just a matter of time. The EU-ambitions could lead to a better understanding between state and its citizens.