The Meaning Field and Rituals That Are Created Around the Concept of “Dâr” As a Micro Centre in Alevi Belief System

In the context of Alevi-Bektashi belief system, dâr is a term used to meet the middle place of the square where the ritual is performed physically within the distinctive ritual concept area of cem worship.  In Alevi-Bektashi belief, there is a large vocabulary and ritual order formed around the concept of dâr. In addition to being a ritualistic expression, dâr is a multi-layered term that has a philosophical and sociological counterpart. The concept of dâr, which symbolizes sufistic path to reveal the self, indicates a square which is equipped with Sufistic answers and has an equivalent to being apparent. Various cultural and religious figures that are meaningful within the framework of Alevi-Bektashi belief circle are also practiced through the phenomenon of dâr, so that collective memory is kept alive and the tradition is transferred. Considering the meaning burden of the concept, it is clear that it is necessary to make the meanings legible as well as being evaluated as a ritual term. In this study, after focusing on what is the concept of dâr and its semantic content, it will be given information about the vocabulary developing around the concept and the ritual universe.
Key Words: Alevi-Bektashi, cem, dâr, ritual.