Şah’ın gölgesinde: Avusturya’da Şah Hatayi’nin izleri

Alevism in Austria has been recognized as a public legal entity since 2013. Following this recognition, the Alevi Faith Community of Austria (ALEVI) has actively engaged in various fields and implemented exemplary initiatives. One of the key outcomes of this recognition has been the introduction of Alevi religious education in schools. This development provides Alevi children and youth with the opportunity to learn about their faith in an institutionalized educational setting. Oversight and administration of this educational initiative fall under the purview of the Alevi Education Department. Institutions such as the University of Vienna and the Church University College of Teacher Education Vienna/Lower Austria play a pivotal role in the academic and professional development of Alevi theologians, faith educators, and spiritual counselors. Furthermore, the Hızır Austria charity organization has been established to oversee humanitarian aid efforts, while the Funeral Fund is tasked with managing matters related to final rites and ceremonies. The Şah Hatayi Cemevi in Vienna serves as the central hub for the Alevi community in Austria, providing a space where members convene to engage in social, cultural, and religious practices. Significantly, it is the first Alevi house of worship to receive official state recognition, marking a milestone in the institutional representation of Alevism in Austria. The naming of this cemevi is deliberate, reflecting the Alevi Faith Community’s ties to the Erdebil Dergah and its reverence for Şah Hatayi as a religious role model and central figure. This article seeks to elucidate the legacy of Şah Hatayi and his enduring influence on the activities and organizational framework of Alevis living in Austria. It further explores how his teachings continue to shape the faith and cultural practices of the Alevi community in a diasporic context.