Unknown Individuals Mark Alevis' Homes with 'X' Symbol and Write 'You Will Die'

In Turkey, unknown individuals have once again left racist graffiti on the walls of Alevis' homes. This incident occurred in Istanbul, the country's largest city. In the Gazi neighborhood, unknown individuals marked the walls of three apartments belonging to Alevis in a multi-story building with an 'X' symbol and the phrase 'You will die.'

This has been reported by ermenihaber.am. The Alevi residents of the mentioned three apartments have contacted the police. The authorities arrived and took fingerprints from the crime scene. Photos of the graffiti have circulated on social media.

It is noteworthy that Alevis in Turkey are officially considered followers of the Shia branch of Islam; however, this view is not accepted by various Alevis. Some claim that Alevism, which is practiced by millions of Kurds, Zazas, and Turks, is a distinct religion that synthesizes elements of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and even paganism. Alevis often refer to themselves as 'Kızılbaş.' Many historians have yet to find answers to several questions related to the origins and religious identity of Alevis.

It is worth reminding that similar graffiti was found in late November in the Gaziemir district of Turkey's Izmir province. Unknown individuals had painted the 'X' symbol in red on the walls of houses belonging to Alevi citizens and written 'Leave Alevi' on them. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies in Izmir launched an investigation. Izmir Province Governor Erol Ayyıldız asserted that the racist graffiti was not motivated by religious grounds at all.