Constructing a social space for Alevi political identity: religion,antagonism and collective passion |
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Authors: | Omer Tekdemir |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster, London, UKo.tekdemir@westminster.ac.uk |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the construction of an Alevi political identity in terms of cultural, social and religious values at a time when the role of religion is increasing in the political life of Turkey. It indicates the emergence of a new form of conflict and hegemonic articulation between Sunnism and Alevism that offers an alternative means of conflict resolution by the Alevi political agents within a radical pluralism and agonistic democracy. It also argues that the social construction of Alevi political identity is both a political project and an ontological question as this identity focuses on religious discourses in establishing a counter-hegemonic culture through mobilizing political ‘collective passion’. |
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Keywords: | Aleviness political identity radical pluralism passion conflict consensus agonism |
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