Who are actually Alevis?

On the occasion of the translation of the Book of Erwan Kerivel in Armenian, Tchobanian Institute organized a trip to Armenia to present "The Truth is in man" in French and Armenian version.

A delegation led by Varoujan Sirapian, president of the Institute Tchobanian, composed of the author and some Alevis in Turkey today installed in Europe, discover Armenia from 13 to 21 May, Two conferences are held at the Yerevan State University and the UFAR.

The first meeting was held May 14 at the Faculty of Oriental Studies of Yerevan State University. One hundred students and teachers attended the presentation. After words of welcome by Prof.. Garnik Asatryan, Director, Department of Iranian Studies, Varoujan Sirapian described the work of the Institute and Tchobanian magazine "Europe & East." Mr. Sirapian stressed the importance of the book Erwan Kerivel that in an easily accessible language exposes the sociology and philosophy of Alevis in Turkey.

Then Mr. Kerivel presented his book with remarkable translation of Lusine Palian, and answered many of the relevant part of students and teachers questions.

In an interview with Lurer.com the author of the book Erwan Kerivel said that he was in Armenia for the first time, and that the presentation of the book and his interest in Armenia and the Armenian nation brought him in Armenia.

He highlighted the fact that the book's translator and publisher Armenians. By the way, the book was published in Paris "Sizhest" publishing house, the director of which is our compatriot Varoujan Sirapian, who lives in Paris.

Referring to the Patriarch of Constantinople Ateshyan's statement that 80-90% of Alevis are Armenians,  Erwan Kerivel considered it unfounded. "While studying Alevis, I saw that there were some people, whose mothers were Armenians, and there are also people among my friends, who say that their grandmothers were Armenians. However, if the Alevis, who have bilateral Armenian origin, will be sked whether they considere themselves Armenians or Zaza-Alavis, of course, as a nationality, they will celebrate Zaza-Alevis. It's a simple truth."

Erwan Kerivel also noted that he returns with many fine impressions. "In a few days, where we go, we were very well received.

I'm sure that I will visit Armenia again", Kerivel said.

Azatuhi Araskhanyan