Alevism and Alevi communities are increasingly attracting research interest and publications from interdisciplinary perspectives and gaining recognition as an emergent field of academic study.
Event summary
This conference aims to bring together new and established scholars from different disciplines and perspectives for a lively and productive discussion of the issues and challenges related to research on Alevism and in collaboration with Alevis. A further aim is to raise the profile of this field of study through networking to create an international community of Alevis(m) research scholars.
Within the current global political climate, especially in the Middle East, where religion is a vital factor in defining national identities and dividing ethnic groups, the position of Alevis and Alevism is being redefined both by the Alevis themselves and external agents such as religious bodies and nation-states.
These recent changes have brought new questions into the research agenda, such as the relationship between Alevis and other minoritised religious groups in the Middle East and the significance of Alevi movements in the diasporic context. The research on Alevism and Alevis tends to focus on defining Alevism in terms of either/or binaries, e.g. religion or faith, outside or inside Islam or the oldest or a newer religion.
While this approach has made a significant contribution to the field, it has been challenged by the diversity of experiences of Alevi communities worldwide. Another strand of research on Alevism has been focusing on the ongoing assimilation and persecution of Alevis and their survival strategies and experiences in their countries of settlement.
This conference will address this complexity from a multi- disciplinary perspective within the wider global context. In this regard, we would like to invite papers from established academics and new researchers from different disciplines. Themes may include but are not limited to:
- Alevi historiography
- Alevi music
- Alevi organisations
- Alevi religious institutions
- Alevi rituals and theology
- Alevi youth
- Alevism and gender/sexualities
- Alevism lessons and religious education
- Cemevis in villages/cities/diaspora
- Alevi media and cultural representations of Alevis
- National and transnational migration of Alevis
- Politics of Alevi ethno-religious identities and movements
- Urban/rural Alevism/Alevi communities
Panel suggestions on specific topics are also welcome.
How to submit
The conference is being organised by Dr Umit Cetin and Dr Celia Jenkins from the School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster and Dr Berfin Emre from the University of the Arts London.
The conference will be hosted by the Centre for the Study of Democracy and take place at the University of Westminster, London, on 5–7 July 2023, and we very much hope you will be able to participate in the conference and its wider project to create an international network of Alevi researchers.
The deadline for abstract submissions is 15 October. Accepted papers will be notified by 15 December.
There is no attendance or registration fee for the conference.
Please send your 200–250 words abstract and 100 words biography, including your institutional or organisational affiliation to Berfin at [email protected].
