Esteemed Members of the Alevi Studies Network,
It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the third anniversary of the Alevi Studies Network. Founded three years ago to strengthen knowledge exchange and foster international academic collaboration in the field of Alevi Studies, the network has now evolved into a dynamic academic community of over 300 researchers from various parts of the world. Among our members are retired professors, senior academics, postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and MA students, representing a broad spectrum of scholarly expertise. This diversity constitutes both the greatest potential and the strongest foundation of our network.
Over the past decade, Alevi Studies has gained significant momentum both in Turkey and across Europe. Through the establishment of new academic departments, research institutes, and various “Alevi Academies” under the umbrella of Alevi foundations, the field has expanded into a growing and increasingly complex domain of academic production. The Alevi Studies Network has been at the heart of this transformation, serving as a catalyst that has helped move Alevi Studies beyond individual efforts toward more institutionalized, collaborative, and thematically organized forms of research.
The growing visibility and consolidation of our network in Turkey, Western Europe, and beyond is of great significance — not only for individual researchers, but also for the broader institutionalization of Alevi Studies as a recognized academic discipline at the international level.
Reflections on the Past Year
The past year has demonstrated that the Alevi Studies Network has moved far beyond its initial role as a communication platform to become an active academic hub that significantly contributes to the international visibility and exchange within Alevi Studies. Through the efforts of its members, the field has become more prominently represented across various academic settings, while interdisciplinary collaborations and collective projects continue to grow.
In this regard, we would like to highlight some of the key developments of the 2024–2025 period:
* The Second Alevi Encyclopedia Symposium (Dortmund, October 2025), organized through the network, brought together approximately 40 researchers from across Europe, marking an important step toward strengthening international coordination and dialogue within Alevi Studies.
* Network members actively contributed to scholarly debates by organizing and participating in dedicated panels and sessions at Turkologentag 2025 (Mainz), the Alevi Theology Workshop at the University of Hamburg, and several other academic events.
* Our weekly newsletter has continued to provide consistent updates on new publications, academic events, calls for papers, and funding opportunities, enabling researchers to stay informed about ongoing developments in the field.
* Our website (www.alevistudiesnetwork.org) continues to evolve into an open-access information hub, providing early-career researchers with access to valuable online resources and opportunities.
Call for Contribution and Collaboration
Your continued participation and support are more vital than ever. We kindly invite you to contribute to the network’s activities in the following ways:
Expanding the Network: You may recommend scholars working on Alevism and related fields—at all academic levels (BA, MA, PhD, postdoctoral, faculty, or retired)—to join the Alevi Studies Network by sharing their contact information via info@alevistudiesnetwork.org. We particularly encourage you to invite your colleagues and students who may benefit from being part of this community.
Sharing Announcements: Please send us information about upcoming conferences, workshops, publications, grants, and other opportunities, which we will circulate through our newsletter and website.
Contributing Publications: You are welcome to share your recently published articles, books, or project announcements, helping strengthen the visibility of Alevi Studies worldwide.
Field Updates: By sharing updates, news, and developments from the field, you can help enrich the content and diversity of our weekly newsletter.
Communication: To contact the network, please write directly to info@alevistudiesnetwork.org rather than replying to group emails, so that your message can be properly received and processed.
The Alevi Studies Network is not merely a mailing platform; it is a collective initiative dedicated to advancing Alevi Studies as a decolonial, pluralistic, and interdisciplinary field of knowledge. In our third year, our primary goal remains to make this shared endeavor ever more visible, productive, and inclusive.
We sincerely thank you for your ongoing commitment, collaboration, and support. Together, we will continue to build the future of Alevi Studies on strong and sustainable foundations.
With best regards,
Alevi Studies Network
October/Ekim 2025Website: https://alevistudiesnetwork.org/
Contact: info@alevistudiesnetwork.org
Alevi Studies Network 