“Have you ever felt the warmth of a community that transcends borders?” The Alevitische Gemeinde Lubeck stands before you a testament to faith resilience and intercultural harmony. Founded on December 20 1992 it began as the Alevitischer Kulturverein Lubeck. Its name changed in 2009 officially becoming the Alevitische Gemeinde Lubeck e V.
This is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant hub for over 2000 Alevis in Lubeck. They are a part of the larger Alevitische Gemeinde Deutschland a federation of 157 community organizations. This larger organization actively promotes social and societal integration of migrants in Germany regardless of origin or religion.
The Alevitische Gemeinde Lubeck is a beacon of democracy. All committees are democratically elected from the bottom up. Financial transparency is paramount. The community’s financial records are open for all to see. Board meetings are open to all members. Children youth women and senior citizens’ programs are a priority. All board members volunteer their time.
The community’s finances rely entirely on membership fees and donations. This highlights the commitment of its members to sustaining their cultural and religious practices. The Alevitische Gemeinde Lubeck isn’t just a building. It is a reflection of the Alevi belief system. Alevism emphasizes gender equality a deep connection with nature tolerance openness humility and helpfulness. It is a faith that values all people equally advocating for the oppressed and weak.
In the Alevi faith everything is considered divine. God is present in nature and within each individual. It is a faith of liberation and freedom one rooted in love and compassion. The goal of each Alevi believer is to become a complete human being. Alevi religious and cultural practices blend poetry dance and music seamlessly. The Turkish long-necked lute the bağlama plays a prominent role in their traditions. The Alevi faith embraces science. They view their faith as a contemporary path towards understanding.
The majority of Alevis in Germany trace their origins to Turkey. In Turkey Alevism is the second largest religious community after Sunni Muslims. However in Turkey it’s not officially recognized as an independent religion. The Alevitische Gemeinde Lubeck itself is a mixture of Turkish Kurdish and Zaza people. It’s a testament to the community’s inclusivity and the diversity within Alevism. In Germany the Alevitische Gemeinde is legally recognized as a religious community under Article 7 Paragraph 3 of the Basic Law.
The Alevitische Gemeinde Lubeck is a powerful example of how a community can build and thrive while maintaining its unique traditions. They have created a vibrant and welcoming space for Alevis in Lubeck and Germany. Their commitment to community involvement their democratic structures and their financial transparency reflect the values they hold dear. Their presence here is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Alevi faith and to their positive contribution to the cultural fabric of Lubeck.