| Popis: |
Dedes and the families (ocaks) constitute the most important dimensions of the issue of Alevism. In terms of their internal organization, every member of Alevi community is connected to a particular ocak (hearth). It is not possible to understand Alevism, without understanding ocak organization that has religious, social and cultural functions in Alevi community. Traditionally, dedes who are members of specific ocaks are believed to be descendants of the Prophet Muhammed through the line of twelve imams. In history, dedes have been on the top social hierarchy of Alevi community and they performed key roles in the reproduction of Alevi tradition and belief system. This article specifically focuses on Ocak of Sultan Gözükizil to which majority of Alevis living in Ardahan are connected. Leaning on in-depth interviews with the dedes of the region and documents supplied by them, this article aims to expose main features of Ocak of Gözükizil and cem ritual of Karapaça. |
