Kalu Bela
In this video, Pir Celal Fırat explains the concept of Kalu Bela, one of the foundational mythological narratives of Alevi cosmology. According to the Alevi belief system, Kalu Bela encompasses a period that precedes the creation of the material universe and extends to the first dialogue established between God and Cebrail. In Pir Fırat’s account, this moment represents not only the beginning of creation but also the source of Alevis’ existential position on the path of truth, their fidelity, and their voluntary commitment. In this sense, Kalu Bela is interpreted not as an individual narrative of birth but as the symbol of the ancient covenant established between Alevi communities and Hak, as well as their universal mission.
The video approaches this creation narrative from the perspectives of both Alevi cosmology and Alevi sociology. Kalu Bela constitutes the metaphysical origin of fundamental concepts such as ikrar, yol, musahiplik, and rızalık within the social structure. Pir Fırat demonstrates how this narrative grounds the responsibilities of the individual within the Alevi communal structure, their relationships with the community, and their moral obligations on the path of Hak.
This narrative was recorded within the framework of the Pirler–Analar Workshop hosted by the Dortmund Alevi Cultural Center – Rıza Şehri Academy (DAKME) on 10–11 May 2025. Conducted as part of the Alevi Encyclopedia project, this oral account constitutes one of the rare oral sources on Alevi creation mythology and serves as an important reference, particularly for studies that address the belief system and social structure together.
The video approaches this creation narrative from the perspectives of both Alevi cosmology and Alevi sociology. Kalu Bela constitutes the metaphysical origin of fundamental concepts such as ikrar, yol, musahiplik, and rızalık within the social structure. Pir Fırat demonstrates how this narrative grounds the responsibilities of the individual within the Alevi communal structure, their relationships with the community, and their moral obligations on the path of Hak.
This narrative was recorded within the framework of the Pirler–Analar Workshop hosted by the Dortmund Alevi Cultural Center – Rıza Şehri Academy (DAKME) on 10–11 May 2025. Conducted as part of the Alevi Encyclopedia project, this oral account constitutes one of the rare oral sources on Alevi creation mythology and serves as an important reference, particularly for studies that address the belief system and social structure together.
Pir Celal Fırat
Interviewer
- Ahmet Kerim Gültekin
