Riza Algül by Nigel A JAMES
Lord of the Dance!
There is one
thing about the Alevitan religion that says very much! It has, so
far, survived more than 3000 years. And surviving has not always been
easy.
Like every
other religious group, the Alevitans suffered periods of uncertainty,
rejection, and persecution, and, they too, were almost brought to the
brink of extinction! But not quite. For despite all of this, there
have always been people prepared to carry the torch forward. And, so
it is, that, thanks to people like Riza Algül, this nature religion
which started on the banks of the Euphrites is now present all over
the world. And, it is set to continue.
Being a
nature religion, the Alevitan belief, which puts each and everyone of
us in the centre, has no dogma, and, therefore, of course, no book.
It is celebrated by means of music and singing, and dancing and
poetry!
And this is
Riza Algül As he travels the world holding lectures about the
Alevitans, he is able to illustrate his theme with dances and songs
that go literally back to days long, long ago! But, Riza Algül is
not only an excellent musician, singer and dancer, he is an author
and historian, too.
From his
home, which is now in Vienna, Riza Algül has completed two excellent
histories of the Alevitans in his native Turkish.
A third is on its way! And, who knows, in 3000 years time, the
Alevitans of then will still be reading and taking inspiration from
his books!
