The International Alevi Foundation for the Promotion of Education, Research and Solidarity Celebrated its Fifth Anniversary

The International Alevi Foundation for the Promotion of Education, Research and Solidarity celebrated its fifth anniversary on 20 December 2025 in the Alevi Cultural Center and Cemevi in Nürtingen.

Moderated by Sibel Kale, member of the foundation’s board, a varied programme was offered.

The event began with a Gülbenk recited by Zülfikâr Yoleri Dede in Turkish, English and German. Due to the 47th anniversary of the Maraş massacre (in 1978), a minute’s silence was then held in memory of the Alevi victims of Maraş.

The programme recognised the important work in the areas of SOLIDARITY, EDUCATION and RESEARCH that the foundation has accomplished in the five years since its establishment. During this period, the foundation has attracted attention through its intensive contributions to the Alevi faith and cultural beliefs, in particular through academic research, educational activities and projects to strengthen social solidarity.

The co-chairs of the foundation, Ms Neriman Çatuk and Mr Cemalettin Özer, presented a summary
of the last five years and introduced the projects for 2026.

The following individuals participated in the anniversary celebration via the online platform Zoom: Prof. Dr. Ali Yaman, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ersal, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şen, Prof. Dr. Servet Yaşar, Doç. Dr. İlgar Baharlu, Doç. Dr. Cemal Salman and Hasan Öğütçü (chairman of the Alevitisches Bildungswerk “Şah Ibrahim Veli” e.V.), all of whom have made significant contributions to the study of Alevism in their respective fields. In their speeches, they emphasised the enormous contribution the foundation has made to science and society and underlined the importance of such work for the Alevi community.

The event also featured a presentation in the form of a technical discussion:
Oktay Ulucan accompaniedan Alevi religious guide and bağlama teacher Erkan Çanakçı Dede
with questions about Alevi doctrine, particularly its fundamental principles.

Axel Samut and Senan Altun, a young artist duo from Strasbourg, added colour to the event with their bağlama music.

Thank-you speeches and congratulations, as well as an emphasis on unity and solidarity in faith, rounded off the varied programme. Following the anniversary celebrations, a Cem ceremony was held.