Sunni-Alevi issues must be resolved: Turkish PM

ANKARA

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Resolving the conflicts between Alevi and Sunni teachings is one of Turkey’s most important responsibilities, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has said on the occasion of Nevruz.

“If there are conflicts between us, it is our most important duty to resolve this, our most important responsibility. In this land, they are trying to reduce our love for each other only by separating us and by fights. There’s nothing we can learn from those treacherous planners,” Yıldırım said at the International Hacı Bektaş Veli and Sultan Nevruz Cem on March 21. 

Hacı Bektaş Veli (1248 to 1337) was a humanist philosopher and founder of the Bektaşi sect and of the Alevis – which is often described as an offshoot of Shiite Islam. He is revered as a manifestation of Ali, the last of the four caliphs and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed.

“Do not forget the ones who played the leading role in the murder of Ahl al-Bayt, and cause a fitna between the preachers of the prophet. The same mentality was in operation in Çorum, Maraş, and Madımak,” he said referring to three cornerstone events in Turkish history where Alevis were murdered.

“The Alevi Bektaşi lore has a very important place in the mosque of Seljuk and Ottoman civilization. Racism and Islamophobia have taken the place of democracy and human rights today. This is sad and worrying for the future of Europe on behalf of humanity. We hope that it raises a strong objection to this heresy,” he added.

Stating that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has initiated a policy for Alevis in Turkey, Yıldırım said “we are the elements of the same belief, same soul. Our creator is one, our book is one and our guide to life is one.”

“Moreover, we are the children of same civilization, same history and same lands. Our roots are one,” he said.

“The brotherhood will persist in this land,” he said.

“Whoever does not respect our master the Prophet, is neither Alevi nor Sunni,” he added.