CHP Leader Özel emphasizes equal service at cemevi opening: 'When it comes to Alevis'

Speaking at the opening of the Bağcılar Gürsel Erol Cemevi in Nevşehir, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel emphasized that the state must ensure equality in religious services.

Özel stated that while all expenses for mosques are covered by the state, difficulties are encountered in meeting the needs of Alevi places of worship.

"It covers all the expenses of mosques. It pays the salaries of imams, muezzins, and hafizes, but when it comes to Alevis and their worship, even in Hacı Bektaş, the renovation and restoration of a cemevi, the Bağcılar Cemevi, and making its guesthouse functional, becomes dependent on the generosity of a member of parliament, their material and moral support, and the contributions of numerous institutions," he said.

Attending the opening, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan conveyed the greetings of Ekrem İmamoğlu and recalled the struggle İmamoğlu has waged for cemevis to be recognized as places of worship. Aslan stated, "He fought for them to be evaluated under this status and defended this idea. As you know, our İBB Assembly officially recognized cemevis as places of worship."

CHP Elazığ MP Gürsel Erol stated that citizenship of the Republic of Turkey is a common value, saying, "This state, this homeland, and this nation belong to us. Being a citizen of the Republic of Turkey does not mean that every citizen does not fulfill their responsibilities to the state, but this state cannot discriminate against us based on our ethnic identity, political views, sect, or beliefs."

Artist Zülfü Livaneli also touched upon the importance of the themes of peace, brotherhood, and resistance in the Alevi faith during his speech at the opening. Livaneli stated, "The theme of peace, brotherhood, and resistance in the Alevi faith is a point that unites us all."

Özgür Özel also touched upon the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), saying, "Some may be in power, but the Parliament belongs to the nation. The commission does not belong to that ruling party, but to the nation and its Parliament." Özel stated that an equal distance must be maintained toward all faiths.

News Source: 12punto