Sivaslı Canlar Berlin: Message of Unity at Ashure Offering

Sivaslı Canlar Berlin Association organized the Ashure Offering event for the month of Muharram in Berlin, the capital of Germany. The event in front of the Neukölln City Hall saw strong 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 ashure symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of differences. Boyraz noted that society needs dialogue, mutual respect, and solidarity more than ever.

Ashure: The Common Richness of Differences

Cemal Boyraz reminded that ashure 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 Ashure Festival in Neukölln since 2018. He expressed that the association aims to develop a democratic, peaceful, and solidarity culture.

Neukölln: Like a Bowl of Ashure

Boyraz drew attention to Neukölln's multicultural structure. Comparing the district to a bowl of ashure, he made the following assessment:

"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.

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Emphasis on Equal Citizenship and Freedom of Belief

Dr. Yüksel Özdemir, representative of the Berlin Alevi Community, also spoke at the event. Özdemir stated that ashure is not only a tradition of commemorating the martyrs of Karbala. He also said that it represents the common conscience of humanity, sharing, and hope.

Özdemir stated that Karbala is not just a historical event. He expressed that the suffering of people experiencing wars, hunger, migration, discrimination, and injustice today are contemporary reflections of Karbala.

Stating that ashure symbolizes the culture of coexistence of differences, Özdemir gave the following message:

"Just as different ingredients in an ashure 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."

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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 ashure is a symbol not of homogenization, but of the coexistence of different cultures, faiths, and identities. He called for the strengthening of social solidarity.

figure class="wp-block-image" data-align="center" style="text-align: center;">Political and Civil Society Representatives Attended

The event saw strong participation. Neukölln Municipal 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, and presidents and representatives of civil society organizations attended the event.

The speeches emphasized the preservation of Berlin's multicultural structure. The importance of strengthening dialogue among different communities and developing a culture of coexistence was highlighted.

The program concluded with ashure offerings to participants and friendly conversations.

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