Steps toward democratization have started to bear fruit in the education sector as much-debated courses on the Alevi faith have entered a university curriculum for the first time. Signs of increased democratization in education first emerged after Kurdish language classes began at Mardin’s Artuklu University. MŞÜ’s own Kurdish classes began earlier this month.

Alevi dedes are invited to the elective Alevism course delivered by Professor Kamil Coşkun from the university’s faculty of education. This week’s guest was Hazır Ali, an official from an Alevi dervish lodge. During the lesson, he spoke about Alevi lodges and dedes. Attending part of the class, MŞÜ Rector Nihat İnanç told reporters that Alevis believe in God like Sunnis do, so Alevism is not related to atheism. “Alevism is an interpretation of Islam. As in other belief systems, there might be some who think differently within the Alevi community. The best definition of Alevism is that it stays on course with Ahl al-Bayt [the family of Prophet Muhammad],” he said. İnanç explained that all students can register for the Alevism course, regardless of their departments. More than 40 students registered for the class, which opened in the second semester of this academic year. Professor İnanç said they wanted their students to have more scientific and correct information concerning Alevism