At the first ever “Nature, Culture and Faith Festival” in the village of Qûrçik in Varto district of Muş, Alevi organizations expressed their expectations for the ongoing peace and democratization process in Turkey. At the heart of these expectations is the demand for legal equality—especially in terms of citizenship rights—and the protection of Alevi identity from state appropriation.
True equality is our right
The three-day festival was organized by the Qûrçik Cem and Cultural Center in collaboration with the Alevi Federation of Turkey (ADFE) and the Alevi European Association (AABF). Imam Öztürk, chairman of the Qûrçik Cem and Cultural Center, told the Mezopotamya news agency that the festival was intended as a response to decades of attempts to assimilate Alevism. The venue was deliberately chosen as the village is home to numerous holy sites.
“We are not only organizing this festival for our village; similar events are needed in all regions with a significant Alevi population. The most important demand of the Alevis in the peace process is legally guaranteed equality as citizens, supplemented by the unrestricted right to religious practice. Our Cem house should be affiliated with the Ministry of Culture – we have firmly rejected this. We stand by our position and demand equal rights without compromise,” said Öztürk.
Warning against state interference in matters of faith
Kemal Kaya, ADFE regional representative for Eastern Anatolia, also warned against state interference in religious affairs. Alevis who have moved to large cities are increasingly under pressure to conform, he said. “We need visibility and awareness of our religious reality—that is the purpose of this festival,” said Kaya. He strongly criticized the establishment of the “Culture and Cem House Authority” under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture: “The state has no religion, and it should not presume to administer ours.”
Parliamentary Commission is a source of hope
With regard to the new commission in parliament for resolving the Kurdish question and promoting dialogue and peace, Kaya expressed cautious optimism: “We welcome the fact that both the DEM Party and the CHP are represented in the commission. Regardless of party affiliation, we place our hope in all members who work there.”
A political solution is urgently needed, Kaya continued. “The past few years have cost the country dearly—economically, humanly, and socially. The loss is enormous. It is time for parliament to seek solutions that include everyone—including minorities and religious communities.”
Call for equal treatment for Alevis and Kurds
Kaya also warned against political missteps that could jeopardize the peace process. “The ongoing attacks on the Kurdish language and Alevi religious practices are causing enormous damage. Alevis and Kurds are part of society—in cities and rural areas alike. Their concerns must be taken seriously.”
“If we want to live together peacefully in this country, then we must listen to these people’s demands and act on them,” said Kaya. At the same time, he referred to the social situation of many people in Turkey: “There is economic hardship, families can no longer feed their children. This makes it all the more urgent to establish peace and strengthen democracy.”
Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that this path is not blocked
In conclusion, Kaya stated that, despite everything, he remains hopeful about the future course of the peace process. It is important that this process be brought to a conclusion without conditions, delays, or excuses. “Peace must come – no ifs, ands, or buts. And it is up to all of us to contribute to this. The Alevi community in particular, but also every other group, has a responsibility to ensure that this path is not blocked.”
Source: ANF News
