Taking Dem, Sâkilik, Taking Dem in the Cem Ritual, and Dem in Everyday Life – Baba Sedat Bican
In this video, Baba Sedat Bican discusses the practice of dem almak (“taking dem”) within the Alevi-Bektashi tradition. Contrary to the exclusionary and discriminatory claim often directed at Alevis that “Alevis drink alcohol during cem rituals,” Bican explains that dem is not understood in Alevi traditions as the ordinary act of consuming alcohol. Rather, it is a specific practice with religious, symbolic, ritual, and socio-cultural dimensions. Although there is no absolute taboo against alcohol in everyday life, taking dem during a cem is a ritual act that must be understood within the etiquette, erkân, and symbolic universe of the Yol.
Bican also explains the concept of sâkilik within the Bektashi tradition. He emphasises that the sâki is the person who determines who may receive dem and in what amount. In this sense, the sâki is not merely someone performing a service but also a figure carrying religious and ritual responsibility. The meaning of referring to Imam Ali as the sâki in the Bektashi tradition is discussed through the relationship between dem, muhabbet, edep, erkân, and the search for truth. Through deyişler and gülbenks, the video explains the ritual significance of dem as grape wine and offers an insider perspective on a subject that is frequently misunderstood in Alevi-Bektashi belief and practice.
This recording was made on 18 April 2026 at Alevitische Gemeinde und Cemevi e.V. (Lange Streng 12, 65462 Ginsheim-Gustavsburg), near Frankfurt, as part of the “In the Words of the Spiritual Guides” series of the Alevi Encyclopedia.
Bican also explains the concept of sâkilik within the Bektashi tradition. He emphasises that the sâki is the person who determines who may receive dem and in what amount. In this sense, the sâki is not merely someone performing a service but also a figure carrying religious and ritual responsibility. The meaning of referring to Imam Ali as the sâki in the Bektashi tradition is discussed through the relationship between dem, muhabbet, edep, erkân, and the search for truth. Through deyişler and gülbenks, the video explains the ritual significance of dem as grape wine and offers an insider perspective on a subject that is frequently misunderstood in Alevi-Bektashi belief and practice.
This recording was made on 18 April 2026 at Alevitische Gemeinde und Cemevi e.V. (Lange Streng 12, 65462 Ginsheim-Gustavsburg), near Frankfurt, as part of the “In the Words of the Spiritual Guides” series of the Alevi Encyclopedia.
Interviewer
- Dr. Ahmet Kerim Gültekin
