Workshop held for the Encyclopedia of Alevism and Bektashism

The 'General Consultation Meeting for the Encyclopedia of Alevism and Bektashism', organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Presidency, was held with broad participation.

In addition to members of the Advisory Board and Editorial Board of the Encyclopedia of Alevism and Bektashism, a total of 82 academics, faith leaders, and researchers from both Turkey and abroad attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the encyclopedia project, which aims to address the deep-rooted wisdom heritage of the Alevism and Bektashism tradition using scientific methods, was evaluated comprehensively. Participants stated that the work plays a critical role beyond being merely a publishing project, serving to preserve cultural memory and systematically record accurate information.

Emphasis on a scientific framework against information fragmentation

The workshop drew attention to the current fragmentation of information and conceptual confusion in the field of Alevism and Bektashism. It was pointed out that studies lacking a scientific basis make it difficult to access accurate information, and the necessity of examining and recording the knowledge that has reached the present day through oral tradition using academic methods was emphasized.

The encyclopedia is intended to be a permanent reference source covering a wide range of content, from concepts to personalities, and from rituals to historical processes. It was stated that the work, carried out with the contributions of experts from different disciplines, will be shaped on the basis of a pluralistic and scientific approach. It was also expressed at the meeting that the ongoing consultation process would contribute to expanding the scope of the encyclopedia, strengthening its methodological framework, and increasing the quality of its content. During the workshop, it was stated that the goal is for the Encyclopedia of Alevism and Bektashism to be a fundamental reference work that preserves cultural heritage and transmits it to future generations.