Ishik or Ishik Alevism (Işık Aleviliği), also known as Chinarism (Çınarcılık), is a newsyncretic religious movement among Alevis who have developed an alternative understanding of Alevism and its history. These alternative interpretations and beliefs were inspired by Turkish writer Erdoğan Çınar with the publication of his book Aleviliğin Gizli Tarihi (The Secret History of Alevism) in 2004.
While mainstream Alevis believe the term Alevi means "follower of Ali", as in the Arabic word ‘Alawī (علوي), and consider themselves followers of the teachings and practices of 13th-century Alevi saint Haji Bektash Veli, Ishik believe differently. The Ishik movement claim that the term "Alevi" is derived from the old AnatolianLuvians, claiming that the word "Luvi" means "People of light" in the Hittite language. Some Ottoman documents from the 16th century refer to the ancestors of today's Alevis as "Işık Taifesi", meaning "People of Light". This is, according to Ishikīs, a proof of the connection between the Luvians and Alevis.
The Ishik Alevis have been likened to the Kurdish Yezidis, as part of a wider monotheistic tradition called Yazdanism. A shared cultural history of that nature relates to common folklore describing the invention of agriculture by plant domestication. Wheat is assumed to have been first cultured in the northern part of the Middle East; and likewise, regional peoples shared a culinary tradition in the types of vegetables they consume.[1]
Self-image
Ishikīs consider themselves to be esotericists, claiming that Alevism is Esotericism itself, meaning that they identify themselves with every type of esotericism in history (e.g. Jewish esotericists, Christian esotericists, Islamic and Pagan esotericism etc.)
They claim that Alevism is the oldest religion in the world, that has changed shapes throughout time. This "First and True Religion" of the world, is claimed to have been the main source for all other religions and beliefs in the world:
It has now been brought into the open with all its truth, that Alevism, with its tens of thousands of years of history, has influenced all beliefs and has been the Original Source (the so-called "Serçeşme" – meaning "Beginning Spot of Fountain") of the celestial religions.
— Erdoğan Çınar in: Aleviliğin Gizli Tarihi, 2004.[2]
The Ishikīs also claim that the religious ceremonies practiced by Alevis were practiced as early as by the Hittites and even by the Sumerians. According to Ishikīs, medieval Christian sects as Paulicianism, Bogomilism etc. were also Alevis. A good example of this belief can be found in the translation of the book The Cathars: The Most Successful Heresy of the Middle Ages[3] (2005) by Sean Martin. Even though the original English version does not contain the word "Alevi", the Turkish translator has translated the title of the book as Ortaçağ'da Avrupa'da Alevi Hareketi – Katharlar (An Alevi Movement in The Middle Ages – The Cathars).[4]
Historical beliefs
Compared to traditional Alevism, the most striking differences of the Ishik movement are their interpretation of history. The Ishik movement claims that Alevis have changed their apparent identity several times in history in order to survive. According to Ishikī belief, heretic sects like the Paulicians and Bogomils were actually Alevis compelled to appear as Christians because of the Byzantine oppression. Likewise the modern Alevis have gained an Islamic appearance because of the Ottoman oppression.
The Ishikī versus Traditionalist split has caused a deep gap in Alevi society. This is the first time in centuries that Alevis have experienced such a great split in terms of beliefs.
Traditionalist Alevis have strongly opposed the Ishikīs, who they consider are people who are creating a completely new religion, or sometimes as undercover agents, trying to disrupt Alevi unity. Ishikīs are also criticized for being extremely political and for abandoning fundamental Alevi sources, such as the Buyruks, one of the most known written source among Alevis.
The Alevi historian, Hamza Aksüt, responded to the works of Erdoğan Çınar in several articles, criticizing him for being intentionally manipulative and highly conspirational. were officially given as a reply to the interview with Erdoğan Çınar: Çınar'dan uyarı: 'Her flörtün sonu evlilikle bitmez' (Warning from Çınar: 'Not all flirts end with marriage').[5] Another writer, Ünsal Öztürk has also criticized Erdoğan Çınar.[6] In 2010 Hamza Aksüt, Hasan Harmancı and Ünsal Öztürk went together in publishing the book Alevi Tarih Yazımında Skandal – Erdoğan Çınar Örneği (A Scandal in Alevi History Writing – The Erdoğan Çınar Example), which is an analysis and explaining of the claimed manipulation and "tampering"[7] made by Erdoğan Çınar.
Erdoğan Çınar received much criticism from Alevis and Alevi Dedes (for example Baki Güngör dede, who claim that Çınar's book is full of misconceptions and contradictions and consider it as yet another attempt of "Yol-Yezidiler" (enemies of the path of their tariqa) to assimilate the Alevis and to separate them from the mystic teachings of Haji Bektash Veli, Pir Sultan Abdal, Yunus Emre and The Twelve Imams.
Some traditionalists have even gone so far as to demand that Ishikī dedes like Hasan Kılavuz should get the penalty of social exclusion.
Ishikī organizations
The Ishik movement has succeeded in becoming very influential in important and powerful Alevi organizations.[dubious – discuss] The Alevi Confederation of Europe (AABK) for instance, has abandoned its traditional Alevi beliefs in 2006, which it replaced with a marginal Ishikī type of understanding.[8]
^Pieroni, Andrea; Ahmed, Hiwa M.; Zahir, Hawre (2017). "The spring has arrived: traditional wild vegetables gathered by Yarsanis (Ahl-e Haqq) and Sunni Muslims in Western Hawraman, SE Kurdistan, Iraq". History. 86 (1).
^"Aleviliğin, on binlerce yıllık geçmişten gelen, bütün inanışları etkilemiş, semavi dinlere başlangıç oluşturmuş asıl kaynak, "Serçeşme", olduğunu bütün gerçekliğiyle ortaya çıkartıyor." in: Çınar 2007
^Sean Martin (2005). The Cathars: The Most Successful Heresy of the Middle Ages. Pocket Essentials.
^Sean Martin (2005). Ortaçağ'da Avrupa'da Alevi Hareketi – Katharlar [An Alevi Movement in The Middle Ages – The Cathars]. Kalkedon.
^Hamza Aksüt (9 March 2009). . renkhaber. Archived from the original on 19 March 2009.
^Ünsal Öztürk (10 March 2009). . renkhaber. Archived from the original on 21 January 2010.
^Harmancı, Hamza (2010). Alevi Tarih Yazımında Skandal. Yurt Kitap Yayın.
^. Alevi Yolu. 15 January 2007. Archived from the original on 26 January 2008.
Bibliography
Çınar, Erdoğan (2007) [2004]. Aleviliğin Gizli Tarihi (8th ed.). Istanbul: Kalkedon. ISBN978-9944115056.
Further reading
The primary sources of Ishikism are the works of the Turkish writer Erdoğan Çınar:
"Secret History of Alawism", Aleviliğin Gizli Tarihi / Demirin Üstünde Karınca İzi (2004)
"Lost One Thousand Years in Alawism", Aleviliğin Kayıp Bin Yılı (325–1325) Yolcu Ateşte Yanmak İle Yol Yanmaz (2006)
ishikism, confused, with, illuminationism, this, article, about, anti, religious, alawi, groups, mainly, alevi, muslim, sect, kızılbaş, mainly, islamic, kurdish, kaka, alawis, haqq, mainly, kurdish, groups, general, yazdânism, ishik, ishik, alevism, işık, alev. Not to be confused with Illuminationism This article is about the anti religious Alawi groups For the mainly Alevi Muslim sect see Kizilbas For the mainly non Islamic Kurdish Kaka i Alawis see Ahl i Haqq For the mainly Kurdish groups in general see Yazdanism Ishik or Ishik Alevism Isik Aleviligi also known as Chinarism Cinarcilik is a new syncretic religious movement among Alevis who have developed an alternative understanding of Alevism and its history These alternative interpretations and beliefs were inspired by Turkish writer Erdogan Cinar with the publication of his book Aleviligin Gizli Tarihi The Secret History of Alevism in 2004 Contents 1 Isik faith 1 1 Self image 1 2 Historical beliefs 2 Criticism 3 Ishiki organizations 4 See also 5 References 5 1 Bibliography 6 Further readingIsik faith EditWhile mainstream Alevis believe the term Alevi means follower of Ali as in the Arabic word Alawi علوي and consider themselves followers of the teachings and practices of 13th century Alevi saint Haji Bektash Veli Ishik believe differently The Ishik movement claim that the term Alevi is derived from the old Anatolian Luvians claiming that the word Luvi means People of light in the Hittite language Some Ottoman documents from the 16th century refer to the ancestors of today s Alevis as Isik Taifesi meaning People of Light This is according to Ishikis a proof of the connection between the Luvians and Alevis The Ishik Alevis have been likened to the Kurdish Yezidis as part of a wider monotheistic tradition called Yazdanism A shared cultural history of that nature relates to common folklore describing the invention of agriculture by plant domestication Wheat is assumed to have been first cultured in the northern part of the Middle East and likewise regional peoples shared a culinary tradition in the types of vegetables they consume 1 Self image Edit Ishikis consider themselves to be esotericists claiming that Alevism is Esotericism itself meaning that they identify themselves with every type of esotericism in history e g Jewish esotericists Christian esotericists Islamic and Pagan esotericism etc They claim that Alevism is the oldest religion in the world that has changed shapes throughout time This First and True Religion of the world is claimed to have been the main source for all other religions and beliefs in the world It has now been brought into the open with all its truth that Alevism with its tens of thousands of years of history has influenced all beliefs and has been the Original Source the so called Sercesme meaning Beginning Spot of Fountain of the celestial religions Erdogan Cinar in Aleviligin Gizli Tarihi 2004 2 The Ishikis also claim that the religious ceremonies practiced by Alevis were practiced as early as by the Hittites and even by the Sumerians According to Ishikis medieval Christian sects as Paulicianism Bogomilism etc were also Alevis A good example of this belief can be found in the translation of the book The Cathars The Most Successful Heresy of the Middle Ages 3 2005 by Sean Martin Even though the original English version does not contain the word Alevi the Turkish translator has translated the title of the book as Ortacag da Avrupa da Alevi Hareketi Katharlar An Alevi Movement in The Middle Ages The Cathars 4 Historical beliefs Edit Compared to traditional Alevism the most striking differences of the Ishik movement are their interpretation of history The Ishik movement claims that Alevis have changed their apparent identity several times in history in order to survive According to Ishiki belief heretic sects like the Paulicians and Bogomils were actually Alevis compelled to appear as Christians because of the Byzantine oppression Likewise the modern Alevis have gained an Islamic appearance because of the Ottoman oppression Ishiki thought is convinced that most heterodox groups are inventions as a result of oppression meaning that groups like the Nizari Isma ili Bektashism Nusayri Alawism Ghulat and Ahl e Haqq are in reality separate from real Islam Criticism EditThe Ishiki versus Traditionalist split has caused a deep gap in Alevi society This is the first time in centuries that Alevis have experienced such a great split in terms of beliefs Traditionalist Alevis have strongly opposed the Ishikis who they consider are people who are creating a completely new religion or sometimes as undercover agents trying to disrupt Alevi unity Ishikis are also criticized for being extremely political and for abandoning fundamental Alevi sources such as the Buyruks one of the most known written source among Alevis The Alevi historian Hamza Aksut responded to the works of Erdogan Cinar in several articles criticizing him for being intentionally manipulative and highly conspirational were officially given as a reply to the interview with Erdogan Cinar Cinar dan uyari Her flortun sonu evlilikle bitmez Warning from Cinar Not all flirts end with marriage 5 Another writer Unsal Ozturk has also criticized Erdogan Cinar 6 In 2010 Hamza Aksut Hasan Harmanci and Unsal Ozturk went together in publishing the book Alevi Tarih Yaziminda Skandal Erdogan Cinar Ornegi A Scandal in Alevi History Writing The Erdogan Cinar Example which is an analysis and explaining of the claimed manipulation and tampering 7 made by Erdogan Cinar Erdogan Cinar received much criticism from Alevis and Alevi Dedes for example Baki Gungor dede who claim that Cinar s book is full of misconceptions and contradictions and consider it as yet another attempt of Yol Yezidiler enemies of the path of their tariqa to assimilate the Alevis and to separate them from the mystic teachings of Haji Bektash Veli Pir Sultan Abdal Yunus Emre and The Twelve Imams Some traditionalists have even gone so far as to demand that Ishiki dedes like Hasan Kilavuz should get the penalty of social exclusion Ishiki organizations EditThe Ishik movement has succeeded in becoming very influential in important and powerful Alevi organizations dubious discuss The Alevi Confederation of Europe AABK for instance has abandoned its traditional Alevi beliefs in 2006 which it replaced with a marginal Ishiki type of understanding 8 See also EditKizilbaslar Kurdish Alevism Yaresan Yazdanism Yezidism Zoroastrianism Zurvanism Luwian mythology Proto Indo Iranian religion Proto Indo European religionReferences Edit Pieroni Andrea Ahmed Hiwa M Zahir Hawre 2017 The spring has arrived traditional wild vegetables gathered by Yarsanis Ahl e Haqq and Sunni Muslims in Western Hawraman SE Kurdistan Iraq History 86 1 Aleviligin on binlerce yillik gecmisten gelen butun inanislari etkilemis semavi dinlere baslangic olusturmus asil kaynak Sercesme oldugunu butun gercekligiyle ortaya cikartiyor in Cinar 2007 Sean Martin 2005 The Cathars The Most Successful Heresy of the Middle Ages Pocket Essentials Sean Martin 2005 Ortacag da Avrupa da Alevi Hareketi Katharlar An Alevi Movement in The Middle Ages The Cathars Kalkedon Hamza Aksut 9 March 2009 Cinar dan uyari Her flortun sonu evlilikle bitmez renkhaber Archived from the original on 19 March 2009 Unsal Ozturk 10 March 2009 Yazin hayatinin tanimadigi bir facia Erdogan Cinar renkhaber Archived from the original on 21 January 2010 Harmanci Hamza 2010 Alevi Tarih Yaziminda Skandal Yurt Kitap Yayin AABF ve AABK yeni program degisikligi ile Aleviligi kusa cevirmeye devam ediyor Alevi Yolu 15 January 2007 Archived from the original on 26 January 2008 Bibliography Edit Cinar Erdogan 2007 2004 Aleviligin Gizli Tarihi 8th ed Istanbul Kalkedon ISBN 978 9944115056 Further reading EditThe primary sources of Ishikism are the works of the Turkish writer Erdogan Cinar Secret History of Alawism Aleviligin Gizli Tarihi Demirin Ustunde Karinca Izi 2004 Lost One Thousand Years in Alawism Aleviligin Kayip Bin Yili 325 1325 Yolcu Ateste Yanmak Ile Yol Yanmaz 2006 The Lost Alawi Legend Kayip Bir Alevi Efsanesi 2007 The Roots of Alawism and the Esotericism of Abdal Musa Aleviligin Kokleri amp Abdal Musa nin Sirri 2008 But he has also gained the support of other writers as well Hasim Kutlu Path of Qizilbash Alawism Kizilbas Alevilikte Yol Erkan Meydani Yurt Kitap Yayin 2007 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ishikism amp oldid 1118238837, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
