Alevi Music

Alevi music is a rich tradition rooted in the cultural and spiritual practices of the Alevi community in Turkey and surrounding regions. It combines poetic lyrics, often drawn from mystical and philosophical themes, with specific melodies and instruments like the bağlama (a stringed instrument). The music serves both as a form of worship and communal expression, emphasizing themes of love, justice, and spiritual unity. It is performed during ceremonies called cem, fostering reflection, social connection, and cultural identity. Alevi music is characterized by its improvisational and participatory nature, deeply intertwined with the community’s spiritual and social life.