Turkish PM pays visit to cemevi in eastern Turkey

ANKARA

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Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has visited a cemevi, an Alevi house of worship, in eastern Turkey, just months after he outlined a set of comprehensive action plans for the fulfillment of his party’s pre-election promises to different segments of society. 

“No matter Sunni or Alevi, those who deny al-Haqq get out of line,” Davutoğlu said, using an Arabic term for God, during his visit to the Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Anatolia Culture Foundation Cemevi in the eastern province of Erzincan on Feb. 13, as quoted by Anadolu Agency. 

Citing God, Prophet Muhammed and Prophet Ali, the Turkish premier delivered messages of unity among all sects of Islam.

“This country is a big dome and a huge nest. We will fight whoever is willing to bring down this nest in reverence to al-Haqq, Muhammad and Ali,” he said.

The visit came months after Davutoğlu made a visit to a cemevi in the eastern province of Tunceli, having become the first prime minister of Turkey to visit a cemevi during the rule of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). He met with around 25 Alevi dervishes during his visit on Nov. 23, 2015.

Davutoğlu outlined a set of comprehensive action plans on Dec. 10, 2015, for the fulfillment of pre-election promises to different segments of society, particularly on the status of Alevis. 

“There will be no excuse. These action plans and reforms will be realized within their time frame and they will start to be implemented as planned,” Davutoğlu had said on Dec. 10, 2015, at a meeting with the participation of nearly 3,000 AKP members, as well as senior civil servants from all ministries.