Alevi Turks call on government to amend curriculum according to their religious beliefs…………………….

A large group of protesters from the Alevi community in Istanbul, Turkey, demanded that the government increase their political representation and grant them full rights to provide Alevi religious education in schools, as well as allow them to build places of worship.

A protest rally was held in Kadıköy Square in central Istanbul, attended by a large group of Shia Alevis, to demand equality in their rights with the rights of other Turkish people.

According to media reports followed by Shia Waves Agency, the protesters confirmed that they “have long suffered from marginalization in both government and the public sphere, and have been constantly denied the right to provide Alevi religious education in schools and build places of worship.”

The number of Alevis in Turkey is estimated at around 12.5 million, the majority of whom follow the Shia sect.

They have repeatedly complained of state discrimination and demanded rights such as recognition of their places of worship.

Gamze Kaya, one of the protesters, complained, saying: “I personally cannot wear Alevi attire and walk freely. We cannot live freely. We are being watched all the time.”