Kirvelik and Musahiplik in Alevism
In this video, Pir Hasan Aygün explains the concepts of kirvelik and musahiplik, which occupy an important place in the social and religious order of Alevism. This account is valuable because it makes visible practices specific to the Alevi traditions of the Çorum region, while also pointing to certain differences from the Dersim Alevi tradition.
Aygün states that the institutions of kirvelik and musahiplik have changed in line with social transformation. Although they have weakened compared to the past, efforts are still being made to keep them alive today. He emphasises that, in the Çorum region, musahiplik can only be established between two couples and with the consent not only of men but also of women. For this reason, the relationship of musahiplik is understood as a social-religious bond that requires the consent and approval of all cans. In the video, these rituals are described in detail, offering important ethnographic information on the establishment, functioning, and social meaning of kirvelik and musahiplik.
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.
Aygün states that the institutions of kirvelik and musahiplik have changed in line with social transformation. Although they have weakened compared to the past, efforts are still being made to keep them alive today. He emphasises that, in the Çorum region, musahiplik can only be established between two couples and with the consent not only of men but also of women. For this reason, the relationship of musahiplik is understood as a social-religious bond that requires the consent and approval of all cans. In the video, these rituals are described in detail, offering important ethnographic information on the establishment, functioning, and social meaning of kirvelik and musahiplik.
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
