The Gender of Cans

In this engaging video, Ana Narin Gülçiçeği addresses contemporary debates shaped around ikrar, musahiplik, and in particular the question of the “gender of cans.” Drawing on her own experiences and reflections, she sheds light on questions related to gender identities that have become increasingly visible among younger generations, as well as on new intellectual searches emerging within the context of Alevism. The video renders visible the gender-transcending dimension of the concept of can in the Alevi belief system and explores how this approach may intersect with contemporary debates on gender, inviting reflection on its relationship with foundational elements such as ikrar and musahiplik.

This recording was made on 10–11 May 2025 at the Dortmund Alevi Cultural Center (DAKME), within the framework of the Pirler–Analar Workshop organized for the Alevi Encyclopedia project under the Rıza Şehri Academy.