A New Model For Alevis?

BY TAHA AKYOL
MILLIYET- Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal recently said that Turkey's Alevis have some important proposals and complaints but that government action on this was only window dressing. Baykal also called the model proposed by Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Reha Camuroglu inadequate. That may well be, but the CHP should put forth its own model on this issue. A solution can be produced through discussing different models. What's strange is that certain Alevi institutions have accused Camuroglu of being a `traitor' and objected to the state giving religious services for `Alevi Islam' due to the fear of assimilation. Of course, there might be different views and models, and a result can be reached through negotiations. But turning this issue into a fight over a `religious community' would be wrong. The accusation of betrayal shows a totalitarian mindset which can't solve the problem but in fact makes solving it harder. Such harsh stances might even cause polarization among Alevis, and so we should avoid this.
The model suggested by Camuroglu proposes that senior Alevi dervishes be classified are listed as permanent religious officials and that services to be institutionalized. You might find this contrary to secularism, but you can't call it betrayal. There are even certain supporters of Islam who find the state Religious Affairs Directorate to be contrary to secularism. The issue shouldn't be put in the straitjacket of betrayal versus loyalty. What's more, a great many Alevis want the state to give religious services in Alevi Islam as well. Personally, Camuroglu wants Alevi Islamic services to be institutionalized outside the Religious Affairs Directorate. This issue is open for discussion.
Why would such proposals be `betrayal'? They might be found to be faulty, and different models can be suggested. Anyway, a model will emerge after discussions. After its implementation begins, certain arrangements will be made in line with new needs. All institutionalizations happen this way. The accusation of betrayal is impossible to understand. When seeking a solution, everybody should watch their words. What's the reason for this enmity and anger? It's not bad that the AKP took the first steps on this. On the contrary, it's quite good. We should also dispel the cold feelings between these two religious sects (Alevis and Sunnis). The language we use shouldn't be argumentative, but conciliatory. The first condition for moving towards a solution is to be flexible in style and behavior. You can't talk about freedom and tolerance while showing such a totalitarian stance on different proposals for solution. Neither Alevis nor Sunnis are single-minded. In our age particularly such sociological dynamics as urbanization, education and being middle class make all belief groups diverse. We shouldn't use hurtful and divisive words, but unifying and bridging ones.