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Alevilik Akademisi

Academy

Programmes

An overview of the academy’s planned programmes – from first steps to research. Content is being developed and reviewed step by step.

  1. 01

    In four languages

    German, Turkish, Arabic and English.

  2. 02

    At your own pace

    Online learning, complemented by talks and meetings.

  3. 03

    Step by step

    From beginner to advanced.

01

Introduction to Arab Alawism

A solid first step: identity, history and key concepts.

4 programmes

  • Identity and key concepts

    An introductory programme on who Arab Alawites are, the different names in use and the key concepts. It explains in plain language where the various designations come from.

    In preparationBeginner

  • Historical development

    Traces the community’s path from its origins in Iraq to the present through its main stages. It shows the big picture without getting lost in detail.

    PlannedBeginner

  • The Ahl al-Bayt and the Twelve Imams

    Introduces the place of love for the Ahl al-Bayt and of the Twelve Imams in Arab Alawism, with an introduction to the Imams’ lives and ethical legacy.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Social and cultural identity

    Looks at identity as it is lived in family, village, city and diaspora, and at how language, tradition and belonging are passed on between generations.

    PlannedBeginner

02

Faith and philosophy

From the oneness of God to ethics: the core ideas of the faith.

5 programmes

  • Tawḥīd – the oneness of God

    Introduces the idea of the oneness of God and its place in the Arab Alawite tradition, addressing basic questions in a clear and respectful way.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Ẓāhir and bāṭin

    Explains the distinction between outward and inner meaning at a conceptual level, within an open educational setting and without touching protected teachings.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Religious knowledge and maʿrifa

    Explores the meaning of knowledge and insight (maʿrifa) in a life of faith, and the relationship between learning, asking questions and guidance.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Being and the human person

    Addresses philosophical questions about the place of the human being in existence and outlines the tradition’s world of thought.

    PlannedAdvanced

  • Ethics

    Connects values such as truthfulness, justice, respect and responsibility with everyday life, highlighting the ethical side of the faith.

    PlannedBeginner

03

History

A journey from the early period to the diaspora.

5 programmes

  • The early period

    Introduces the tradition’s origins in 9th- and 10th-century Iraq and its first centres, showing what the sources establish and what remains contested.

    In preparationIntermediate

  • The classical period

    Covers the community’s settlement from Aleppo to the Syrian coastal mountains and the leading figures of this period.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • The Ottoman period

    Examines social life under Ottoman rule through different historical accounts, weighing narratives of persecution alongside archive-based approaches.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Arab Alawism in the modern era

    Tells the story of the community’s experience in the 20th century amid new borders, new states and social change.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Diaspora

    A programme on migration, life in Europe and transmission between generations, focusing on the questions of young people growing up in the diaspora.

    PlannedBeginner

04

Culture and tradition

Festivals, shrines, language and oral history.

5 programmes

  • Festivals

    Introduces religious festivals and seasonal celebrations, their meaning and how they are kept alive, with respect for regional differences.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Ziyāra – visiting shrines

    Describes the role of shrines in social and cultural life, the memory attached to these places and the customs connected with them.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Language and literature

    Introduces the tradition of poetry, proverbs and storytelling that lives on between Arabic and Turkish.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Oral history

    Teaches methods for recording family and village memory, with an introduction to interviewing, consent and archiving.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Cultural heritage

    Looks at music, cuisine, crafts and everyday culture as one connected heritage.

    PlannedBeginner

05

Arabic language

Arabic from the alphabet to classical texts.

4 programmes

  • Arabic for beginners

    For complete beginners: the alphabet, basic vocabulary and simple sentences. Designed with young people in the diaspora in mind.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Everyday conversation

    Focuses on the everyday Arabic spoken in family and community, with an emphasis on listening and speaking.

    PlannedBeginner

  • Reading and writing

    Builds reading and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic step by step.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Introduction to classical texts

    Preparation for reading classical Arabic texts: language structure, using dictionaries and reading strategies.

    PlannedAdvanced

06

Research and scholarship

Texts, methods and comparative perspectives.

4 programmes

  • Introduction to the classical literature

    Offers an overview map of the classical works and authors associated with the Arab Alawite tradition.

    PlannedAdvanced

  • Text analysis

    Teaches how to read historical and religious texts in context and compare them.

    PlannedAdvanced

  • Comparative religion

    Places Arab Alawism in a respectful and balanced comparison with other faith traditions.

    PlannedIntermediate

  • Research methods

    A practical programme on finding sources, source criticism, interviews and academic writing.

    PlannedIntermediate

Stay informed

The first programmes are in preparation. We will announce start dates on this page.

Get in touch