Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-lj6df Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-06T06:13:43.191Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Alevis, or Deifiers of Ali

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2011

Stephen Van Rensselaer Trowbridge
Affiliation:
Aintab, Turkey

Extract

A religion different from Islam, centring about the person and teaching of Ali, the adopted son of Muhammed, is steadily gaining ground in certain sections of the Turkish Empire. The believers are called Alevis both by themselves and by the Muslims. The name Kuzul Bash (u as in “cut”), which means “Red Head” and is often used as a term of reproach, is said to have originated at the battle of Siffin. Ali said, “Tie red upon your heads, so that ye slay not your own comrades in the thick of the battle.” In Persia the community is known by the name of Ali Ilāhi, and has commonly been regarded as a sect of Muhammedanism.

The object of this study is to investigate the true nature of this faith with as much accuracy as an oriental religion permits, and to consider the relations of the Alevi brotherhood with Islam and Christianity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © President and Fellows of Harvard College 1909

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1 Almuslimu man salima-l-nāsu ‘an yadihi walisānihi. [The Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue men are safe. — A well-known tradition of Muhammed.]

2 waẓīfah.

3 makshūf, ma'lūm.

4 mastūr.

5 raj'at fi'lī.

6 [I.e. The Books of Abraham (Koran 87, end), the Law (Torah), Psalms, Gospels (Euangelion), Koran.]