Canlar - Alevis/Bektashis (2011)

'Canlar-Alevis/Bektashis' depicts the philosophy and belief system of Alevis/Bektashis, with an approach such as 'to understand, not to believe', as our project supervisor Irene Melikoff expresses. So far, she has dedicated 40 years of her life to Alevi/Bektashi studies. We focus on their multiculturalism, egalatarianism, humanism and unique concepts such as 'Can'(inspired soul), and 'Eren' (the initiated). The poetic songs (nefes), dances (semah) constitute the essence of the Alevi/Bektashi beliefs. We onclude two main rituals; the Conversations (Muhabbet) and Cem of Initiation and Purfication, during which the songs and dances play a central role, as well as in our film. We look at the present as well as the past including the massacres.