The Cult of Ana Fatma in Alevism
In this video, Pir Hasan Aygün speaks about Ana Fatma, one of the most central symbolic figures in Alevism. Aygün interprets Ana Fatma not only as a historical or religious figure, but also as a sacred threshold and gate that represents the passage from zahir to batın. In this context, the “threshold of Ana Fatma” or the “gate of Ana Fatma” is understood as the “gate of Hak”, symbolising the passage of the human being from this world into the realm of batın.
In the video, the figure of Ana Fatma is associated with gender equality, monogamy, and the idea of the ritual meydan in Alevism. According to Aygün, the meydan entered by the participants is the “meydan of Hak”. For this reason, in Alevism, women and men are understood as equal partners. The concept of the “threshold” also expresses the equality of women and men and their complementary relationship. Aygün further notes that there are sacred centres in nature known by the name of Ana Fatma. He explains that, especially in Alevi villages in Çorum, cults of Ana Fatma have taken shape around trees or stones. This narrative also shows the religious and symbolic basis for the absence of separation between women and men in Alevi sacred spaces.
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.
In the video, the figure of Ana Fatma is associated with gender equality, monogamy, and the idea of the ritual meydan in Alevism. According to Aygün, the meydan entered by the participants is the “meydan of Hak”. For this reason, in Alevism, women and men are understood as equal partners. The concept of the “threshold” also expresses the equality of women and men and their complementary relationship. Aygün further notes that there are sacred centres in nature known by the name of Ana Fatma. He explains that, especially in Alevi villages in Çorum, cults of Ana Fatma have taken shape around trees or stones. This narrative also shows the religious and symbolic basis for the absence of separation between women and men in Alevi sacred spaces.
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
