The sacred networks of Dersim sayyids An oral history approach to Alevi bonds and tribal affiliations

This thesis examines the hereditary organization of holy families among the Alevis, a minority religious group in Turkey primarily comprising Kurdish and Turkish ethnicities. Although Alevism is part of the Shia branch of Islam, it diverges significantly from mainstream Shia traditions. The Alevis’ minority status dates back to at least the 16^th century when, under Ottoman rule, they were labelled rafizis (heretics) by Sunni authorities. Consequently, Alevis faced severe persecution and were often forced to seek refuge in remote rural areas, far from administrative centers. Despite these challenges, they preserved their religious identity through religious organizations structured around two main entities: the Bektashi order and independent holy families. While much of Alevi historiography has focused on the Bektashi order, this thesis emphasizes the independent holy families, particularly the Dersim sayyids. Concentrated in Dersim (Eastern Turkey), these families established hereditary ties with tribes and maintained influence until the 1970s. Faced with a lack of historical documents, this research relies on hereditary networks observed through fieldwork. The affiliation map between sayyid families, as well as the connections between sayyids and tribes, provides valuable data to enhance our understanding of their history. The oral traditions of these families also make it possible to pinpoint key turning points in past centuries. Furthermore, the findings of this research allow for a critical evaluation of major assertions in Alevi historiography and the formulation of new questions for future research.