International Symposium on Alevism and Bektashism in the Balkans held in Edirne
The International Symposium on Alevism and Bektashism in the Balkans was held on November 28-29, 2024, at Trakya University’s Balkan Congress Hall in Edirne. Organized by the Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Presidency and the Balkan Cities Cooperation Edirne Platform, the event received support from the Edirne Governorship and Trakya University.
The opening session began with a gülbank recited by Mustafa Çetin Dede, a respected faith leader, followed by a keynote speech titled “Gazi Dervishes in the Conquests of Rumelia” by Prof. Dr. Haşim Şahin from Anadolu University. Distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Bayram Durbilmez from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University and Prof. Dr. Amina Sıljak-Jesenkovic from Sarajevo University, discussing the spread and perception of Bektashism in the Balkans.
Participants from Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and other countries presented 43 papers, which will later be published. Leaders from Western Thrace, including Mehmet Koç and Necmettin Kahya, also attended the symposium.
The event concluded with a visit to Musulca Village Cemevi in Havsa.
