Alevis constitute the largest religious minority in Turkey and have faced persistent obstacles to the exercise of their religious freedom. In October 2022, the Turkish government announced its plan to create a new state-run Alevi institution—the Alevi Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Directorate—which officials say will oversee and address issues faced by Turkey’s Alevi community. The decision, however, has sparked controversy as the government itself has long refused to grant Alevis the recognition and rights that it has granted to other communities. Many observers view the decision as a politically motivated move intended to win over voters ahead of 2023 elections.
In its 2022 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department place Turkey on its Special Watch List for the Turkish government’s severe violations of religious freedom. In March 2022, USCIRF staff visited Turkey and met with several religious and nonbelief communities, including Alevis, to learn more about ongoing challenges for religious freedom.
Aykan Erdemir, the Anti-Defamation League’s Director for International Affairs Research and a former member of the Turkish parliament, joins us today to discuss the Turkish government’s creation of an official Alevi agency, the range of issues Alevis continue to face, and broader challenges for religious minorities throughout the country.
With Contributions from:
Keely Bakken, Supervisory Policy Analyst, USCIRF
Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF