AN emphasis on unity and togetherness was highlighted during the Aashura event held on Sunday afternoon at the Alevi Culture Centre and Cemevi (IAKM) building in Wood Green, London.
IAKM President İbrahim Has stated, “Ashura is a celebration of diversity, it is about each of us being all of us, and all of us being each of us; it is a symbol of unity and equality.”
The Ashura prepared in the Cemevi kitchen was shared with participants on Sunday afternoon. The event was attended by local officials, association and institution representatives, academics, and community members.
Has welcomed guests saying”Every community has important days that bring them together with the same feelings, thoughts, and hopes. The preparation and consumption of Ashura is one of those days for us.
“Ashura is a celebration of diversity, it is about each of us being all of us, and all of us being each of us; it is a symbol of unity and equality, and it signifies the unity of different tastes and colours.
“For us Alevis, Ashura is a symbol of love and respect, it is the name of living stronger together by accepting our differences as richness, and sharing. This year, we cooked our Ashura for the followers who, since ancient times, have pledged and continued their path with sincerity, love, and truth, for the sake of justice and truth.”
“This year, we cooked our Ashura for the 33 souls who were brutally killed 30 years ago in the Sivas Madımak hotel, in front of the world’s eyes, for the only ‘crime’ of playing the saz, singing folk songs, and performing the semah. This year, we cooked our Ashura for the lives lost in the earthquake disaster,” Has added.
