Patterns of “Othering Alevis” in the Context of Identity Politics in Turkey

Abstract

This chapter examines the identity politics in the context of Alevi identity in Turkey. Alevism in Turkish political and also social life is framed based on “othering” policies. Discursive construction of “other, " which has a significant place in identity politics studies, constitutes an ongoing process in (re) construction of Alevi identity. The position of Alevism, as being a multi-layer social identity (other ethnic, social class, spatial, and gender components of identity), generates complexities for Alevi society in their sense of security and insecurity in terms of identity political policies. At this point, threat perceptions posed against Alevi identity and its components is a significant political tool used in identity policies. In this study, social construction of Alevi identity is re-read in the context of identity politics. It continues with a discussion on the identityrelated Alevi community and the political and social variables directing this sense of identity politics in Turkey. Moreover, this study aims to understand the identity politics applied in Turkey conjunction with otherization process over Alevi identity and identity belongings. And also the politicization process and the reflections of these policies will be questioned in urbanization and ontological security notions. In this context, identity politics will be examined between 1960s and 2000s. Because between these years, Turkish political and social life has faced with urbanization and immigration process, and Alevis has had to deal with security issues. © Peter Lang GmbH Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften Berlin 2021.