The fasting days of the month of Hızır, one of the most important months for the Alevi community, concluded with Cem ceremonies held on two consecutive days. During the gatherings, which began on 11 February and ended today with the Cem ceremony, çerağ lights were lit for the love of Hak and Hızır, of the entire universe and of all living beings. Gülbenk prayers were recited and deyiş hymns sung for peace, love, unity and togetherness.
Before the Cem ceremony, on 11, 12 and 13 February, the Alevi Community of Berlin, as every year, held Dergâh talks on Hızır with our Dedes, representatives of the Faith Council, ahead of the gatherings to break the fast. Following the very well-attended talks, the fast was broken in the main hall of the Cemevi (Alevi house of worship) with the sharing of lokma (blessed food).
After the fasting days, Cem ceremonies were held over the weekend on two consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday). On Saturday, Musa Gönül Dede, İbrahim Kazım Dede and Hasan Göçer Dede led the ceremony, while Halit Çelik, Memet Bolat and Ali Ekber Akşahin served as zakirs (musicians of the ceremony). On Sunday, Hasan Doğan Dede, Haydar Akdağ Dede, Gazi Fırat Dede and Musa Gönül Dede led the ceremony, with Seyid Doğan and Anıl Sarpkaya serving as zakirs.
The Cem ceremonies began with the consent (rızalık) of those attending, the recitation of the gülbenk and the lighting of the delil. They continued with the Dedes’ talks on Hızır, followed by the Twelve Services (Oniki Hizmet) and the semahs performed by the BAT-Cemevi Semah group. The Cem ceremonies concluded with the lokma gülbenk and the extinguishing (sırlama) of the çerağ lights.
Report and photos: BAT-Cemevi Press Office / Ulaş Yunus Tosun
