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Note that the dates of the Khidr holidays can differ among Alevis, most of whom use a lunar
calendar, but some a solar calendar.
The Muslim month of Muharram (or Mâtem Orucu) begins 20 days after Eid ul-Adha (Kurban
Bayramı). Alevis observe a fast for the first twelve days. This culminates in the festival of Ashura
(Aşure), which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala. The fast is broken
with a special dish (also called aşure) prepared from a variety (often twelve in number) of fruits,
nuts, and grains. Many events are associated with this celebration, including the salvation of
Hussain's son Zaynul Abideen from the massacre at Karbala, thus allowing the bloodline of the
family of the prophet to continue.
Almsgiving
Alevis are not expected to give Zakat in the Islamic mode, and there is no set formula or
prescribed amount for charity. A common method of Alevi almsgiving is through donating food
(especially sacrificial animals) to be shared with worshippers and guests. Alevis also donate
money to be used to help the poor, to support the religious, educational and cultural activities of
Alevi centers and organizations (dergâh, vakıf, dernek), and to provide scholarships for students.
Sacred Places
While Alevism does not recognize an obligation to go on pilgrimage, visiting ziyarat and
performing dua at the tombs of Alevi-Bektashi saints or Pirs is quite common. Some of the most
frequently visited sites are the shrines of Shahkulu and Karacaahmet (both in Istanbul), Abdal
Musa (Antalya), Seyit Gazi (Eskishehir), the annual celebrations held at Hacibektas (16 August)
and Sivas (the Pir Sultan Abdal Kültür Etkinlikleri, 23-24 June).
In contrast with the traditional secrecy of the cem ritual, the events at these cultural centers and
sites are open to the public. In the case of the Hacibektaş celebration, since 1990 the activities
there have been taken over by Turkey's Ministry of Culture in the interest of promoting tourism
and Turkish patriotism rather than Alevi spirituality.
Some Alevis make pilgrimages to mountains and other natural sites believed to be imbued with
holiness.
Leadership structure
In contrast to the Bektashi tariqa, which like other Sufi orders is based on a silsila (initiatory
"chain" or lineage) of teachers and their students, Alevi leaders succeed to their role on the basis
of family descent. Perhaps ten percent of Alevis belong to a religious elite called ocak (literally
"hearth"), indicating descent from 'Ali and/or various other saints and heroes. (Ocak members are
called ocakzades, or "sons of the hearth".) This system apparently originated with Safavid Persia.
Alevi leaders are variously called murshid, pir, rehber, or dede. Groups that conceive of these as
ranks of a hierarchy (as in the Bektashi tariqa) disagree as to the order. The last of these, dede
("grandfather"), is the term preferred by the scholarly literature. Sons of ocak families may attain
to the position of dede on the basis of selection (by a father from among several sons), character,
and learning. In contrast to Alevi rhetoric on the equality of the sexes, it is generally assumed that
only males may fill such leadership roles.
Traditionally dedes did not merely lead rituals, but led their communities—often in conjunction
with local notables, such as the Agas (large landowners) of the Dersim region. They also acted as
judges or arbitors, presiding over village courts called (in Turkish) Dushkunluk Meydani. Ordinary
Alevi would owe allegiance to a particular dede lineage (but not others) on the basis of preexisting
family or village relations. Some fall instead under the authority of Bektashi dargah
(lodges).
In the wake of 20th century urbanization (which removed young laborers from the villages) and
socialist influence (which looked upon the dedes with suspicion), the old hierarchy has largely