This course on Alevism and Bektashism aims to explore these traditions—significant components of Islamic thought and history—from historical, theological, cultural, and social perspectives. It seeks to provide students with an understanding of the historical origins, core beliefs and practices, literary and mystical dimensions of Alevism and Bektashism, as well as their transformations from the Ottoman period to the present day. Students are expected to critically analyze the Alevi-Bektashi intellectual tradition within its proper context and evaluate its contemporary expressions.

Basic concepts, Emergence of Bektashism and Alevism, Sunni-Kizilbash Differentiation; its origin and basic qualities, Ottoman Safavid struggle and its effect on the formation of Alevism.