Britain Alevi Federation declared that it is rather upsetting for the Turkish Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri) to be appointing “officer Dedes” to the European countries.
Due to the believed Muharrem month’s arrival, 100 Alevi Dedes have been sent out to different counties in Europe for them to tell Kerbela and Aşure. Releasing a written statement, Britain Alevi Federation suggested that the ongoing appointments are not designed to teach Alevism but to corrupt and destroy the Alevism within. The statement is as follows:
“Turkish Government’s charges on destroying the Alevism resumes. We won’t let AKP’s so called dedes to enter our Cemevis!
According to the 30 September dated Yeni Şafak newspaper’s coverage, AKP has sent almost 96 Dede officers have been sent out to the Europe. Those dedes, who are raised and taught by AKP authorities, are aiming to proliferate AKP ideologies in our community. Since no European Alevi centres have ever requested more dedes, this act can be seen as AKP’s war launching against the Alevis. The primary objective of this act is to divide our community from within. Therefore, we won’t be a mere spectator to this”