A study of the origins of the Alawites in Turkey and the Balkans

The Alawite community is one of the most populous religious and mystical groups in Turkey and the Balkans. (Despite the differences), due to their religious and cultural connection with Shiism and Sufism and their heartfelt love for the infallible Imams (as) and their location within the Shiite geography, they have great status and importance.In order to study carefully the intellectual infrastructure and ideological foundations of the Alawites, as well as the extent to which the various Islamic religions and sects influence them, a comprehensive and fundamental study of the historical roots of the Alawites is inevitable. Therefore, it is certain that the research on the historical background and the formation of Alawite beliefs and ideas is one of the important and necessary points that will be effective in achieving their status. Most Alawite groups claim to be Twelver Shiites, although because of some factors, they have strayed from many of their original teachings over time. Belief in the Twelve Imams (as), as a clear feature, is the main pillar of the belief of the "Alawites", but their lack of adherence and lack of practical adherence to some rules, caused a serious rift with Islamic religions. The purpose of this study is to identify the roots of Alawism and the influence of Alawites on intellectual and spiritual schools; especially the study of common elements, similarities and their doctrinal influences from Shiite teachings, which in this article, is explored with an analytical perspective and a description of the subject.