With 44 more people signing the “Alevi Intellectuals Declaration,” the total number of signatories rose to 97. The declaration had been published on August 31, 2026, by 53 people, including writers, academics and artists.
The text, signed by members of Alevi Ocakları, stated that they shared the legitimate concerns expressed in the declaration and supported its demands for permanent peace, tranquility and brotherhood. The new signatories include members of the Hızır Şamut Baba, Sultan Sinemilli, Ağuiçen, Şah İbrahim Veli, Kureşan, Baba Mansur, Güvenç Abdal, Hıdır Abdal, Dede Kargın, Arzuman, Ali Dost, Kızıldeli Seyit Ali Sultan, Sarısalık, Derviş Cemal and Şeyh Ahmet Dede ocaks.
The declaration’s initial text stated that the historical references made to Yavuz Selim and İdris-i Bitlisi were a source of concern for Alevis, adding: “We reject the archaic and bloody alliance referenced by Yavuz Selim and İdris-i Bitlisi.”
Why it matters
The new signatures show that the declaration is not limited to writers, academics and artists, and that members of different Alevi Ocakları also share the concerns and demands expressed in the text. This participation indicates that the approach articulated in the declaration resonates with different ocaks within the Alevi community. It appears that the objection to the historical references at the center of the text has been expressed on a broader social footing with the addition of the new signatories. However, how the demands in the declaration will be met and through which steps the goal of permanent peace, tranquility and brotherhood will be turned into reality remain unclear. The development is therefore significant, particularly for those following the issues of Alevi identity, historical memory and social reconciliation.
Background
Alevi is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we published a news report mentioning this name in the last 90 days; that article was dated September 3, 2026.