Hizir Cem is an Alevi worship which proceeds a three-day fast that is called the ‘hizir fast’.
The Hizir fast will begin on the Tuesday of the second week on February and end on Thursday the same week. Britain Alevi Federation have released a statement saying the Hizi Cem will take place at the Britain Alevi Cultural Centre on the 23rd of February, 2016.
Hizir – also spelt as hidir – translates into “Green man” from Arabic (Al-Khidr), a phrase identifying a ‘respectable man’ in Turkish and Middle-Eastern mythology. So, the Hizir Cem is a form of worship showing respect and gratitude for the respectable man (person) and often follows a Hizir Fast, which is almost a new development for the British Alevi community.
The Hizir will be guided with the presence and ‘wisdom’ of Dedes (Dede is a wise person in Alevi belief) – Huseyin Gazi, Metin Dede and Mehmet Yuksel.
A spokesperson from the Britain Alevi federation, said:
“Hizir is very important to out belief. For years, Hizir has become our [Alevis’] most sacred possession in times of need.
“Today, it is important for us to understand the meaning of Hizir – and the application of it in life. Hizir is a sacred for people in times of need. It encompasses the willingness to give to those in need and share the happiness of those who already own it.”