A Different Application in Adult Education: Virtual Cem in Alevi-Bektashi Tradition

Abstract

Cem is a form of worship practiced collectively by Alevi-Bektashi believers. This form of worship, which is performed by men and women together and has its own character, is usually performed face-to-face. The aim of this study is to find out whether cems and some services can be performed online in cases where there are epidemics and people’s gathering together may pose a threat. The research is a qualitative study and is based on a culture analysis design. In this study, a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data. According to the findings obtained from the research, the purpose of Alevi-Bektashi Cems is mostly seen as worship, unity and solidarity. There are four different opinions about the virtualization of Cems: it can be done, it can be done partially, it can be done under certain conditions and it cannot be done. There are more negative opinions on the virtualization of Cems. It is also understood that the findings regarding practices such as marriage ceremonies and sacrifice takbir outside of Cems are mostly negative. Participants made some suggestions on this issue. Based on the findings, it was suggested that cems should be held face-to-face as much as possible, that the virtual environment should be used more for informational purposes, and that it may. Türk Kültürü ve Hacı Bektaş Velî Araştırma Dergisi'nde yayımlanan makaleler Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International lisansı ile lisanslanmıştır.