Alevi-Bektashi Culture, Cem Rituals and Musical Practices in Samsun Canlar Association

Abstract

In the Alevi-Bektashi faith, which is characterized as a mystical interpretation of Islam, cem rituals, which are adorned with cem music accompanied by saz and semahs, are the sum of representative activities carried out by ‘human beings’ who make sense of the relationship between the sacred and the spoken by associating it with rationality, otherness and acculturation. The basic philosophy of cem rituals, which are performed by men and women together, is to transfer the common feelings and acceptances that ensure social unity to future generations. This study aims to conduct a cultural analysis of the sample of “Samsun Canlar Association”, a non-governmental organization that functions in the recognition of music practices in Cem rituals, one of the basic dynamics of Alevi-Bektashi belief and culture, with its structural characteristics, historical origins, contribution to social solidarity and philosophical dimension. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews with a working group of nineteen people, consisting of five dede, four zâkir and ten talip, and several cem rituals were observed. According to the findings of the research, it was determined that the basic principles of Alevi-Bektashi belief are based on the ‘Four Doors and Forty Makams’ teaching of Hacı Bektaş Veli. Participants stated that Alevism follows lineage and the leader of the faith is the dede, while in Bektashism there is no such rule and the leader of the faith is the father. It was stated that Alevism is built on the love of humanity, that classics such as Buyruk and Makâlât are read, and that the belief includes the love of Ehlibeyt and the motto of having hands, hands and tongue. It is understood that Cem rituals include concepts such as three sunnahs, seven obligations, seventeen erkân, consent and musahiplik. Different fasts are observed in Alevi-Bektashi belief. The musical practices performed in Cem are deyiş, duaz and mersiye; the musical practices included in the twelve services are miraçlama, semah, çerağ and sacrifice prayers and mersiye. It was stated that twelve services are performed in the cem and that there are types of cem with and without ikrar. In order to keep the music practices of Alevi-Bektashi culture alive, it was suggested that zâkirlik courses should be opened and the music practices of different continuities should be examined in this regard. © 2024 Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University. All rights reserved.