'Traitor Kemal' chants heard at cemevi; CHP members' memberships suspended

In a move that has stirred controversy within the Republican People's Party (CHP), the memberships of 63 party members have been suspended following an incident at the Garip Dede Cemevi in Istanbul. The suspensions were enacted after some attendees chanted "Hain Kemal" (Traitor Kemal) during an event commemorating the Ashura fast, which was also attended by CHP Group Chair Özgür Özel.

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The actions taken at the Garip Dede Cemevi, which were contrary to the spirit, etiquette, and traditions of places of worship, have been evaluated. Based on the images, statements, and photographs, the party memberships of 63 Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi members have been suspended as a precaution.

Gürsel Tekin, who was appointed as a trustee for the CHP's Istanbul Provincial Directorate, announced the decision, stating that the actions were taken "as a precaution." He explained that the chants and behavior observed at the cemevi were deemed contrary to the sanctity, etiquette, and traditions of places of worship. Tekin emphasized that cemevis and dervish lodges should be spaces for unity, brotherhood, and social peace, not arenas for political conflict, polarization, and hate speech.

"No one can turn these sacred places into a stage for political settling of scores and divisive rhetoric," Tekin stated in a written announcement. He condemned any behavior that incites people against each other, justifies insults, or targets individuals within a place of faith, deeming it unacceptable both politically and morally. Tekin invoked the core Alevi beliefs, which he said emphasize love over hatred and unity over division, asserting that actions undermining social peace and exploiting the goodwill of the Alevi community for political gain cannot go unanswered.

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Cemevis and dervish lodges are not places for politics, polarization, and hate speech, but for unity, brotherhood, consent, and social peace. No one can turn these sacred places into a stage for political settling of scores and divisive rhetoric.

The incident occurred shortly before a planned convoy in Istanbul, which was reportedly canceled at the last minute. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was recently reinstated as CHP Chairman by a court decision, did not attend the Ashura program at the cemevi. The suspensions highlight the ongoing internal tensions within the CHP following leadership changes and the party's recent electoral performance.

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Any behavior that provokes people against each other in a place of faith, justifies insults, and targets individuals is unacceptable both politically and morally. Love, not hatred, and unity, not division, are at the core of the Alevi faith.