London’s Alevi residents came together to revive Ashura day at the Cemevi in London.
Kerbela carnage’s 1336th anniversary was commemorated at the Cemevi and Culture Centre with bringing many together with the supply of traditional Ashura soup on the October 16th.
As many guests attended the event, Turkish politics’ UK representative faces were also see at the event such as CHP (Turkey’s Republican Party) UK’s strategy Officer Tekin Bingöl.
Britain Alevi Federation President Israfil Erbil, in his speech tackled the importance of non-discriminatory environments and the significance of excelling in togetherness, solidarity and brotherhood.
“Ashura stands for opening new eras, reconciliation and peace. In Alevism, Ashura is offered to everyone regardless of their race, gender, and language or employment status”
Alevi Culture Centre UK President Tugay Hurman, in his speech highlighted the importance of Ashura as it brings the old conventional values back into our lives, from storytelling to family gatherings. Many others enjoyed the day until the end of it.
More on Ashura Day:
For Alevism, Ashura marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram, and commemorates the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram. The massacre of Husayn with a small group of his companions and family members had a great impact on the religious conscience of Muslims, particularly Alevis, who commemorate Husayn’s death with sorrow and passion. Mourning for Husayn and his companions began almost immediately after the Battle of Karbala by his surviving relatives and supporters.
The root of the word Ashura has the meaning of tenth in Semitic languages; hence the name of the remembrance, literally translated, means “the tenth day”.