Evaluation of Dede Service in the Context of Performance Theory

The Alevi tradition, which originated from ancient Turkish beliefs and original interpretation of Islam on the basis of ancient civilizations, fulfilled many functions in the process of Turkification of Anatolia and has come to this day as one of the most loyal heirs of Turkish culture. Hz. This oral tradition, which follows the path of Muhammad and his Ahlibayt, has a heterodox perspective in terms of religion and a syncretic structure in terms of formation and resources.
 Cem worship is a performance-based form of worship that reflects the essence of the Alevi faith. Cems differ with the influence of the elements depending on the environment. This situation makes every social environment special in itself. One of the most defining elements of this environment is dedes (Alevi Spirituel Leader). These mystical figures, believed to be descended from the Prophet in Alevism, are both directors and narrators of the congregation ceremonies. In this respect, the spiritual performance of the cem ceremonies largely depends on the dedes.
According to the “Performance Theory”, which is one of the modern folklore methods of the last century, the conditions under which it is performed must also be taken into account in order to examine and interpret all aspects of a folk creation. In the light of this information, the importance of analyzing all folk products based on display with performance theory emerges. Our article is a study that reveals the effect of the  who are in the position of narrator / manager in the cem ceremonies, which is a form of worship based on execution, on performance in the context of this worship. In our article, the effect of dedes on fifteen cem examples that we had the opportunity to observe will be compared in the light of "Performance Theory".
Key words: Performance Theory, Servis of Dede, Alevi Faith, Cem Worship