Alevis ask president to rename third bridge in Turkey

Alevi associations asked President Gul to change the name of Istanbul's third bridge across the Bosphorus Straight during a fast-breaking dinner in Istanbul July 24 Hurriyetdailynews reported.

The bridge had been named after the Ottoman ruler Yavuz Sultan Selim bringing controversy as the glorified Sultan known in English as "Selim the Grim," is known for the slaughter of around 40,000 Alevis.

"Our plea to the president is to rename [the third bridge] after Yunus Emre, who embraces both Alevis and Sunnis and signals unity," said the Alevi opinion leader Dervi? Tur, during the opening remarks. Yunus Emre, a Sufi mystic who lived in Central Anatolia in the 13th century and celebrated as a poet, was among the early influences of Alevism.

Tur warned the name foreseen for the bridge under construction could create more conflict in Turkish society. "If we bring into our times the wars and disputes that have been lived throughout history, it won't be very auspicious for our nation," he said.

He also asked Gul for official recognition of the Alevi's houses of prayer, the cemevis, as places of worship.

Alevis are Turkey's 'reality'

Speaking during the iftar dinner, to which many representatives of non-Muslim communities were also invited, President Gul said that all Turkish citizens were an integral part of the country.

"There is a very important reality of Turkey in this picture. The more we understand it, the more our task will become easier," Abdullah Gul said.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar?nc, main opposition Republican People's Party deputy head Faik Oztrak, Istanbul's Shishli distict Mayor Mustafa Sar?gul and chairmen of business organizations also attended the event.


/Trend/