Early and recent formulations of theories for a formative Christian heterodox impact on Alevism

Stoyanov, Yuri

Abstract

Amongst the multitude of attempts to re-examine the heritage, history and textual basis of the Alevi tradition, one particular issue remains of importance; the putative relationship between Alevi and Christian groups in the Balkans and Anatolia. In particular, one claim may be heard: that indigenous Christian sectarian communities such as the Paulicians and Bogomils may have converted to Islam via the Bektashis. This essay examines the evidence for such claims, which are often based on the spurious use of cultural motifs or even fabricated documents, and suggests that they are indeed not yet substantiated.

Citation

Stoyanov, Y. (2010). Early and recent formulations of theories for a formative Christian heterodox impact on Alevism. British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 37(3), 261-272. https://doi.org/10.1080/13530194.2010.524435

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 19, 2010
• Publication Date: Dec 13, 2010
• Deposit Date: Aug 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 30, 2023
• Journal: British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
• Print ISSN: 1353-0194
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-3542
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 261-272
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13530194.2010.524435
• Keywords: Alevism, Bektashism, Islamic Heterodoxy, Christian Heresy, Ottoman Religious History, Islamic-Christian Syncretism, Heresiology, History of Ottoman Scholarship, Balkan Studies