Xızır and İlyas & Hıdırellez

In this video, Ana Narin Gülçiçeği examines the relationship between the figures of Xızır and İlyas and the belief known in the Bektashi tradition as Hıdırellez—also referred to as “Hıdır and İlyas”—as well as the manifestations of this belief within Dersim Alevism (Raa Haqi). Focusing on the Batın dimension of Xızır, which is associated with nature, fertility, and mystery, the narrative interprets the place of these figures in the Dersim belief universe through the depth of women’s narration. The video offers significant insights into how shared symbols of Alevi–Bektashi beliefs are internalized with distinct meanings in Dersim.

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.