A case for Pluralism: The Alevis' latest Struggle Against Discrimination

Nil Mutluer 

 

ABSTRACT

 

This article is an attempt to elaborate on recent political and sociological discussions between Alevis and the state institutions. The current stage of the “Alevi issue” is composed mainly of four problem areas: difficulties encountered in the transmission of the belief demands that “cemevis” be officially recognized as houses of prayer, debates revolving around compulsory courses on religion in secondary education, and discriminations that Alevis experience both in everyday life and in the workplace. Outlining the current state of public debates in these four problem areas, this article calls for an exploration of paths toward pluralistic secularism and democratization for all citizens, including the Alevi community.

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