Let's be together, dear ones.

While Alevism has been experiencing heated political turmoil following MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call for the recognition of cemevis as places of worship, cultural initiatives targeting Alevism have also gained momentum. The Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Presidency, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has published the first issue of its magazine, Niyaz. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who penned the magazine's introduction, said, "The Alevi Presidency is the most concrete indicator of the state's shift in perspective toward Alevis. Furthermore, this situation has been one of the most important turning points for the Alevi community in the last five centuries. The Alevi-Bektashi doctrine has been a path molded with love, nourished by peace, and shaped by justice throughout its history. This path, as our ancient tradition puts it, is the path of God-Muhammad Ali. The Alevi-Bektashi wisdom is not merely a belief system; it is a philosophy of life with deep roots. This teaching, which educates individuals on the path to becoming a perfect human being, infuses love into hearts, wisdom into words, and virtue into life, is the most valuable mortar of our social unity. Following the blessed advice of Sultan Hacı Bektaş Veli, we say: Let us be one, let us be great, let us be alive."

"WE WILL CARRY THE LEGACY TO THE FUTURE"

Esma Ersin, President of the Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi, stated that the magazine aims to keep collective memory alive and increase intellectual depth, saying, "We consider it a principled stance and a significant responsibility to keep the Alevi-Bektashi teachings alive, taking into account the needs of today's world, and to carry the legacy of the past into the future." The first issue of the magazine featured articles on the relationship between Alevism, Bektashism, and art, as well as how Alevism was affected by social change in Tunceli. The magazine also explored the life and views of Diyap Ağa, who began his term as a "Dersim Deputy" during the first term of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

THE STORY OF A PHOTOGRAPH

Born in Tunceli in 1831 , Diyap Agha was known as a Dersim representative in the 1st Turkish Grand National Assembly. Holding a national stance, Diyap Agha stood by the state under all circumstances. He also played a critical role in suppressing rebellions. Diyap Agha's service to the state and nation was not limited to the War of Independence; it continued afterward. Historians claim that the famous photograph was taken during Atatürk's automobile journey to Eskişehir, accompanied by Diyap Agha, during the victorious end of the War of Independence. Throughout his life, Diyap Agha consistently stood by the state, first against the Armenians, then against occupation, and subsequently during the Koçgiri and Şeyh Said rebellions. Diyap Agha, who spoke Persian, died in 1935 at the age of 104.