The Sivaslı Canlar Berlin Association organized its traditional Aşure Offering event for the month of Muharram in Berlin, the capital of Germany. The event in front of the Neukölln Town Hall saw high participation. Hundreds of people from different faiths and cultures gathered at the same table. Messages of unity, solidarity, social peace, and coexistence were conveyed at the event.
Association President Cemal Boyraz stated in his opening speech that aşure symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of differences. Boyraz noted that society needs dialogue, mutual respect, and solidarity more than ever.
Aşure: The Common Richness of Differences
Cemal Boyraz reminded that aşure creates a common flavor while preserving the essence of different ingredients. He stated that this cultural heritage best represents the multicultural structure of society.
Boyraz said, "We need people who build bridges, not more walls." He emphasized that in this period of increasing wars, discrimination, and social tensions, peace can only be strengthened through mutual understanding and solidarity.
Boyraz stated that the association has been organizing a regular Aşure Festival in Neukölln since 2018. He expressed that the association aims to develop a democratic, peaceful, and solidarity culture.
Neukölln: Like a Bowl of Aşure
Boyraz drew attention to Neukölln's multicultural structure. He made the following assessment, likening the district to a bowl of aşure:
"People from different cultures, religions, and life stories live together here. This diversity makes our district strong and livable. We must protect this richness together and carry it into the future."
Boyraz extended his thanks to the volunteers, association members, Neukölln Municipality, and the management of Quartiersmanagement Donaustraße-Nord who contributed to the event.
Dr. Yüksel Özdemir: Aşure is the Common Conscience of Humanity
Dr. Yüksel Özdemir, a representative of the Berlin Alevi Community, also spoke at the event. Özdemir stated that aşure is not just a tradition of commemorating the martyrs of Karbala. He also said that it represents humanity's common conscience, sharing, and hope.
Özdemir stated that Karbala is not just a historical event. He expressed that the sufferings of people experiencing wars, hunger, migration, discrimination, and injustice today are contemporary reflections of Karbala.
Özdemir, stating that aşure symbolizes the culture of coexistence of differences, gave the following message:
"Just as different ingredients in an aşure pot cook harmoniously in the same pot without losing their own color and taste, people should also be able to live fraternally with their different identities, enjoying equal rights and equal conditions."
Emphasis on Equal Citizenship and Freedom of Belief
Dr. Özdemir touched upon the Alevis' demands for equal citizenship. He stated that the recognition of Cemevis as centers of worship, the guarantee of freedom of belief, and an equal approach to different faiths are of great importance for social peace.
Özdemir stated that aşure is a symbol not of homogenization, but of the coexistence of different cultures, faiths, and identities. He called for the strengthening of social solidarity.
Politicians and Civil Society Representatives Attended
The event saw high participation. Neukölln City Council Member for Education, Culture, and Sports, Janina Wolter, German Federal Parliament members Andreas Audretsch and Ferat Koçak, Berlin Alevi Community representative Dr. Yüksel Özdemir, Dede Haydar Akdağ, along with presidents and representatives of civil society organizations, took part in the event.
In the speeches, the preservation of Berlin's multicultural structure was emphasized. The importance of strengthening dialogue among different communities and developing a culture of coexistence was highlighted.
The program concluded with the serving of aşure to participants and friendly conversations.
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