5 Day Alevi Faith and Cultural Journey Tour

(Dinner Included)

Our guide welcomes you at the Nevsehir or Kayseri airport.

A journey that begins with a warm smile offers more than a simple “welcome”:

It offers companionship on the path.

After transfer to the hotel and check-in, we gather in the evening for an introductory meeting where our guide presents the program.

During this first gathering, we touch upon the fundamental concepts of Alevi belief:

• What are the Path (Yol) and Ritual Order (Erkân)?
• What does the teaching of the Four Gates and Forty Stations represent?
• Why is the Cem ceremony considered a court of justice?
• What is the meaning of the Twelve Services?
• Why are consent (rızalık) and spiritual companionship (musahiplik) foundational principles of this path?

This evening marks a beginning.

Before setting out, we renew our intention.

Overnight: Cappadocia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

In the morning, we depart from our hotel with our guide and travel to Hacıbektaş across the serene Anatolian steppe.

As we step into the Hacı Bektaş Veli Dervish Lodge, the inscription at the gate speaks to the heart:

“Even if you are hurt, do not hurt others.”

The sound of water at the Lion Fountain,

The breath of unity at the Kırklar Square,

The trace of patience at the Retreat Cell (Çilehane)…

Our guide explains the teaching of the Four Gates and Forty Stations:

The journey of the human being from rawness to maturity,

The discipline of the ego and the striving toward truth.

At the Tomb of Balım Sultan, we learn about the Bektashi tradition and the historical relationship between Alevism and Bektashism.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight: Cappadocia

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

After breakfast, we depart for Sivas.

Our first stop is Banaz Village, where we follow the traces of Pir Sultan Abdal.

Our guide speaks of his resistance, his understanding of justice, and his loyalty to the path:

“Let those who turn away, turn away; I shall not turn from my path.”

In Sivas city center, we visit the Madımak Memorial Corner.

Here, our guide reflects on the importance of collective memory, coexistence, and the necessity of remembrance and reconciliation.

In Şarkışla, we visit the home of Âşık Veysel.

The role of the bağlama within the Cem ritual, the meaning of sacred hymns (deyiş), and the oral tradition are explained.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight: Sivas

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

In the morning, we depart for the Munzur Valley.

As we look upon the waters of Munzur, our guide explains:

In Alevism, nature is never merely nature;

The mountain is devotion, the water is blessing, the tree is a sacred trust.

We ascend to the Düzgün Baba Shrine, where the tradition of visitation, offering, and sacred sharing (lokma) is explained.

At the Ana Fatma Shrine, we reflect on the symbolism of water and purification.

Through our guide’s narration, we gain deeper insight into the ocak (spiritual lineage) system, the institution of the seyit (spiritual authority), and the oral tradition of Dersim Alevism.

Return to the hotel in Tunceli in the evening.

We conclude the day accompanied by local melodies.

Overnight: Tunceli

(Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel.

From Pertek Castle, we gaze upon the reservoir lake.

Our guide reminds us once more of the meaning of this journey:

The path does not end.

As one walks, the path becomes.

Following a closing reflection, transfer to Tunceli Airport.

As our guide bids farewell, this is not a goodbye —

It is the beginning of another path.