مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - THE MUSAHIPLIK INSTITUTION IN DEDE GARKIN OCAK

Abstract :

In this study, the musahiplik institution in Alevism is presented from the Dede Garkın Ocak’s perspective. The Musahiplik institution’s practice was dealt with regarding Dede Garkın Ocak’s dede (religious figure in Alevism) and his participation in the practice. Musahiplik practice was presented as a whole as it has been for years. Musahiplik is one of the basic institutions of Alevi belief system and lexically means the companionship both in here and hereafter. In Alevi belief musahiplik means “being together in good times and in bad times”. Although musahiplik has been differentiated from what it was before, it has very important role in Alevi Society’s both social life and religious life in Anatolia. Musahiplik requires being responsible from each other and observing and keeping under surveillance one of the musahip to prevent him from going astray. Musahiplik is practiced only once in lifetime. To renew it in case of death, mania, separation is impossible. In Musahiplik saying “let us separate, we can try our luck with someone else” is not possible just as in marriage or in partnership. Musahiplik is practiced only once and continues till the end of the life. The musahiplik institution has three main stages called “yola ikrar verme”, “musahiplik kavline girme” and “musahip bağlanma”. These stages are important halting places in an Alevi’s life.