Joan Ryan, Tugay Hurman , Jennifer Man.
THE BRITISH ALEVI FEDERATION has issued a press statement on welcoming Asure as the first month of the Islamic Calendar saw the 10th day.
Below is an extract of the statement:
“Ashure signifies unity and being equal
Ashure is several varieties coming together
Ashure means all for one and one for all
Ashure is different tastes and colours becoming one taste and colour
Ashure is the name of the ‘right piece’, with several colours and tastes made from different ingredients cooked in the love pot, with the conversational scoop on a heat of belief.
Alevi’s every year welcome the Muharram month according to the Islamic Hijri calender and fast for a total of 15 days. The days fasted also have meanings, three days is for innocence, one day is Mother Fatima and the remaining 12 days are for the 12 imams and those killed in the Kerbela massacre. Alevi’s break/open their fasts together and talk about the Muharram month together.
On the last day of their fasting the ashure is boiled. Ashure is made from at least 12 different ingredients. These usually include, peanuts, hazelnuts, dried raisins, freestone peach, chickpeas, beans, gluten, corn, fig, sugar, salt, water, walnuts, pomegranate and other ingredients such as these. When boiled their colours and tastes all mix together.
Like other practices, the cooking and giving out of ashure is done together. Every person contributes to the ingredients of asure. If there is a Cemevi near by, at a Cemevi and if not then they come together at one of their homes preferably at the one who has the most suitable kitchen. Once it is cooked, everyone eats it together and thereafter it is shared with neighbours, friends, work colleagues and relatives.
When Alevi’s share ashure, they don’t look at peoples colour, race, language, sexuality, age, whether they’re poor or rich, they share it with everybody. Even if you are upset with someone or not talking to them, you still must share your ashure with them too.”
British Alevi Federation
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WHAT IS ASHURE?
According to Wikipedia, below is the description of Ashure and where the dish comes from.
Ashure[1] (in Turkish: Aşure) or Noah’s Pudding is a Turkish dessert congee that is made of a mixture consisting of grains, fruitsand nuts. In Turkey it is served during the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, on the Tenth of Muharrem, or the Day of Ashure. “Ashura” means “tenth” in Arabic. Ashure is part of the culinary tradition of Turkey as well as many of the surrounding countries like Greece, and Christian and Jewish cultures as well as Muslim share similar versions under a variety of names.
In anecdotal history, it is claimed that when Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, Masis sar in northeastern modern-dayTurkey, Noah‘s family celebrated with a special dish. Since their supplies were nearly exhausted, what was left (primarily grains, dried fruits and the like) was cooked together to form a pudding, what is now call Ashure. The Day of Ashure is an important day in the Muslim year, corresponding to the Mosaic Yom Kippur observed by Jews, and is observed by Muslims world over in honor of the prophet Moses.[2][3][4][5] The Tenth of Muharrem Day of Ashura also marks the end of the Battle of Karbala and is a special day of observance in Shia Islam. Among Turkish and Balkan Sufis (especially Bektashi), the ashure pudding is prepared with special prayers for health, healing, safety, success and spiritual nourishment.
Ashure stands unique among other Turkish desserts as it contains no animal products. One reason behind it is arguably protesting all kinds of violence and bloodshed. Alevites in Turkey are the prominent group to promote this pudding, traditionally cooking and sharing it following the days of fasting (coinciding Battle of Karbala ) in which they abstain meat. In Battle of Karbala, Hussein ibn Aliand his followers are murdered.
Traditionally, Ashure is made in large quantities to commemorate the ark’s landing and is distributed to friends, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, among others, without regard to the recipient’s religion or belief system as an offering of peace and love. Ashure was traditionally made and eaten during the colder months of the year as it is calorie rich fare, but now it is enjoyed year-round.
