Jiare (Ziyaret) Beliefs in Dersim Alevism (Raa Haqi) – Alevi Philosophy
In this video, Pir Ahmet Karabulut explains the core principles of Alevi philosophy through the phenomenon of jiare (ziyaret) in Dersim Alevism (Raa Haqi). He emphasizes that in the Raa Haqi belief world, jiares—manifesting in forms such as mountains, rivers, lakes, wild animals, rocks, trees, and many others—are understood as spaces where the zahir and batın realms intersect. These sacred places play a key role in understanding the cosmological structure of Alevi thought.
While explaining the jiare tradition, Pir Ahmet Karabulut states that the Alevi belief system is fundamentally based on essence rather than form, and on ethical principles rather than ritual alone. In the Raa Haqi path, what constitutes sacredness is not the place itself, but the good intention, correct attitude, and moral conduct displayed by the individual. Pir underlines that at the center of Alevi philosophy lies the ability to be a good human being, to walk toward truth under the guidance of reason and conscience, and to fulfill the ethical responsibility required by the path. In this sense, jiares are not merely sacred places in Alevi cosmology, but domains that symbolize the individual’s inner journey, moral maturation, and search for truth.
Pir explains concepts such as “walking the path,” “being human,” and “love” within this framework, thereby revealing the inclusive moral universe of Alevi thought. Regardless of language, ethnicity, geography, social position, or belief—whether Alevi, belonging to another faith, or without belief—anyone can take a place within the circle of hak and hakikat through righteous, good, and beautiful conduct. This approach strongly reflects the universal ethical horizon and human-centered cosmological perspective of Raa Haqi.
This recording was made on 6–7 December 2025 at the CAN TV studios in Cologne, Germany, within the framework of the “From the Voices of the Path Leaders” series of the Alevi Encyclopedia.
While explaining the jiare tradition, Pir Ahmet Karabulut states that the Alevi belief system is fundamentally based on essence rather than form, and on ethical principles rather than ritual alone. In the Raa Haqi path, what constitutes sacredness is not the place itself, but the good intention, correct attitude, and moral conduct displayed by the individual. Pir underlines that at the center of Alevi philosophy lies the ability to be a good human being, to walk toward truth under the guidance of reason and conscience, and to fulfill the ethical responsibility required by the path. In this sense, jiares are not merely sacred places in Alevi cosmology, but domains that symbolize the individual’s inner journey, moral maturation, and search for truth.
Pir explains concepts such as “walking the path,” “being human,” and “love” within this framework, thereby revealing the inclusive moral universe of Alevi thought. Regardless of language, ethnicity, geography, social position, or belief—whether Alevi, belonging to another faith, or without belief—anyone can take a place within the circle of hak and hakikat through righteous, good, and beautiful conduct. This approach strongly reflects the universal ethical horizon and human-centered cosmological perspective of Raa Haqi.
This recording was made on 6–7 December 2025 at the CAN TV studios in Cologne, Germany, within the framework of the “From the Voices of the Path Leaders” series of the Alevi Encyclopedia.
Interviewer
- Ahmet Kerim Gültekin
