Retrospect vernissage "Yol bir sürek binbir"

08.04.2024

The discipline of Alevi Theological Studies at the Department of Islamic-Theological Studies at the University of Vienna celebrated the opening of the photo exhibition "Yol bir sürek binbir - The Alevi faith as a path to human perfection?" on 21 March 2024.

The exhibition shows 16 pictures by photographer Seda Erol, which give an insight into the rich traditions, ritual practices and holy places of the Alevi faith. After welcoming speeches by Prof Ednan Aslan and Dr Erdal Kalayci and a short thematic introduction by Prof Handan Aksünger-Kızıl, Seda Erol presented the story(ies) behind her photographs and took the around 60 guests present on a journey from Vienna to Anatolia. The vernissage was accompanied musically by Seda Erol herself as well as Meltem Baykal and Şeyda Aktaş.

The opening on 21 March coincided with an important Alevi holiday, the so-called Nevruz festival. While many people in the Middle East consider it to be the New Year, Alevis celebrate the birthday of St Ali on this day. As the Nevruz festival also falls in the month of Ramadan this year, there was a buffet and the opportunity to break the fast at the end for the guests who are celebrating Ramadan.

Those interested can view the photographs until 18 April 2024 during the department's opening hours. We look forward to your visit!