The Cult of Khidr and Khidr Rituals in Alawites

Abstract

In folk beliefs Khidr is the symbol of hope, future and desolation. Khidr is saint, dervish and savior. He is the helper of the difficult life. He is the guide of those who are stranded. He is the punisher of evil. He drank water of immortality and he is immortal and divine light. Khidr is the name of the world of social phenomenon, hope and expectations that people have in the world of belief. The foundation of Khidr thought and belief is to help the poor, the orphans and the needy people. The social scream, which is formed by the insemination of the life lived in thought, turns into faith and takes place in the folk psychology for thousands of years. In this form, Khidr is the voice of the poor, needy people and orphans. On the one hand, he helps the poor, and on the other hand, he becomes the punisher and the devastator of those who have money and property but don't help the poor and people in need. There are many beliefs about Khidr from the Middle East to Central Asia; from the Balkans to the Caucasus up in a wide geography. The existence of Khidr has always been discussed from the mythological data to the old folk beliefs of the Middle East and the sacred books of the Torah, the Bible and the Qur'an. Khidr takes place in many narratives (legends, stories, epics, etc.) and beliefs. From this aspect, he has some syncretic features as well. Khidr is the the main object and starting point of the festivals and ceremonies such as Hidirellez Festival celebrated in Turkey, Nauryz in Kazakhstan and Khidr Nebi Festival in Azerbaijan. When Khidr comes to earth, spring comes, the soil gains vitality, and animals and people can be fed more easily. On the other hand, Khidr appears as a Godlike figure in Alawite people's beliefs and practices in Turkey. Along with Hazrat Ali, Khidr is one of the most divine characters of time and space, and also of Alawite way, decency and belief. Almost all of the oaths made in the name of God (the Truth) are also made in the name of Khidr. The expression that he is "one of the saint / protector servants" guiding Hazrat Musa testifies to his supremacy. At the same time, Khidr is the form that appears directly in God or Hazrat Ali in many beliefs. Among the Alevis, while there is no fasting, Jem, whirl, bite, month or day dedicated directly to Hazrat Ali within a certain calendar, there are rituals, practices, holy days and a month dedicated to Khidr such as Khidr fasting, Khidr Jem (Cem), Khidr eid, Khidr bite, Khidr halvah (kavut), Khidr prayer, Khidr wishes, Khidr visit, Khidr whirl and so on. All of these characteristics point out the presence of Godlike qualities of Khidr and the cult of Khidr among Alawites far beyond the thought. These days on which fasting, jem execution, sacrifices and wishes are held, take place within a period of approximately 30-40 days, which is called Khidr days and Khidr month. In this article, elements and practices that construct the cult of Khidr have been interpreted within this framework.