The concept of ocak and institution in alevism: Meaning and historical background

The concept of Ocak has a very important place historically as well as sociologically in Turkish folk beliefs. Since Ocak is considered equal to family as a term, it has a wide range of usage in Turkish language. Ocak organization which is based on Dede families is one of the basic institutions of Alevism. Their social roles are not just confined to the religious domain, but also include other ones. Ocak members (Dedes) are at the top of the social hierarchy. Their authority and power of sanction over the community have been effective means for maintaining social order. Alevi Dedes are affiliated to the ocaks of various cities of Turkey. That is why they are also entitled with the term Ocakzâde. The Ocakzâde Dedes are assumed to be descendants of the Prophet (Evlad-i Resul), and are accordingly called "seyyid." In order to prove that, there are documents (genealogies) that holds confirmation of certain lodges and Nakibül Eşraf (chief of the descendants of the Prophet). Most of the dedes are travelling, in other words they periodically visit their disciples to perform ceremonies, inform the community, and resolve the disagreements between them. It is also known that there is a division of labour among the Ocakzâde Dedes like mürşid-pir-rehber, which can also be expressed with the principle "El ele el Hakk'a." Dedes, belonging to ocaks, create such an internal hierarchical order to serve the disciples. According to the epics and genealogies, the positions of personalities, who gave their names to ocaks such as A?uiçen, Sari Saltik, Hidir Abdal, Baba Mansur, Hubyar Sultan, Şah Ibrahim Velî, are based on some characteristics about their ancestry, miracles, and services. This article, firstly, analyzes the status and the importance of the concept of Ocak in historical Turkish societies. Then it focuses on the etymology of the term and its place in Alevi- Bektashi literature and it concludes with exploring historical and sociological dimensions of the concept in Alevism-Bektashism.