Rıza Demir’s followers say their right to worship is being trampled, but British Alevi Federation says he is a fraud
Ali Yıldızer and Rıza Demir, who is accused of being a fake dede to the Alevi community
By Michael Daventry
POLICE were called to break apart rival Alevi groups after a row at an Edmonton community centre turned violent.
At least three people were injured in the scuffles that broke out at the Angel Community Centre, on Raynham Road, where a group had arranged an Alevi worship service, known as “cem”.
The group was led by Rıza Demir, who calls himself an Alevi leader but has been slammed by the British Alevi Federation as an imposter.
A fight broke out after a group from the federation arrived, purportedly to participate in Mr Demir’s cem.
Mesut Gök
THEY WON’T LET US WORSHIP
Two of Mr Demir’s followers, Ali Yıldızer and Mesut Gök, told Londra Gazete the federation’s group repeatedly questioned Mr Demir’s legitimacy.
“They asked us where we were from, what our understanding of Alevism was, and how we were able to claim ‘dede’ status.”
Mr Demir describes himself as a “dede”, an elder who serves as a moral guide, teacher and confidant to the community. He has appeared frequently on local radio stations in North London claiming to be a religious leader with divine influence.
But the British Alevi Federation said a spate of fake dedes were operating in London and taking advantage of local Alevis, often financially.
FAKE DEDE
A dede is required to be a descendant of Ali, a cousin of Muhammad, and the federation says Mr Demir’s lineage is unclear.
Its president, İsrafil Erbil, who was part of the visiting delegation, said Mr Demir’s actions had become intolerable.
“We have received countless complaints from Alevi people in London who are upset at his proclamations,” he told Londra Gazete on Wednesday.
“We have a serious responsibility as an organisation representing Alevis across the UK. We are facing a man who is claiming to be a spiritual leader but he is not. No real dede would address us with slang or swear words.”
ONE ARREST
It is not clear how the exactly the fight started, but Mr Yıldızer says his nose was broken in the scuffles that broke out. Mesut Gök received bruising to his eye.
Mr Erbil said his organisation regretted the violence that broke out but added it came after months of warnings and attempts at dialogue.
The Metropolitan Police said it was called at 7.05pm on Friday 14 February to reports of a disturbance at a community centre in Raynham Road, N18.
In a statement, it said: “Police attended and found a large group of people at the venue.
“A 36 year old man was found suffering from an injury to his nose. He declined medical attention.
“A 35 year old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm. He was later bailed to return to an east London police station in mid March.”
