Shi`a Pajoohi

Shi`a Pajoohi

Jamkhanehs of Alevis of Türkiye: a study on nature, structure and function

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 دانشجوی دکتری، دانشگاه ادیان و مذاهب، دانشکده تاریخ، قم، ایران
2 Assistant Professor, University of Religions and Denominations, Faculty of History, Qom, Iran
Abstract
The social and religious organization of Alevis in Türkiye has taken various forms throughout history. Since the past, Alevi communities have been organized in the form of institutions such as khanqah, takay, zaviya, association, foundation and especially "Jamkhaneh". Today, the concept of "jam" and the place of "jamkhaneh" have become the focus of discussions and controversies.In the past, Alevis used to perform their rituals and rituals in parts of monasteries, tekkehs and corners known as "Khane Maidan" or "Ataq Maidan". With the official closure of takiyas and zawayas during the Republic of Türkiye, Alevis continued to perform their "jam" and rituals in different spaces. From the 1970s onwards, places named "Jamkhaneh" were specifically used to perform Alevi customs.Currently, the concept of "Jamkhaneh", its place in Alevi beliefs and its recognition as a place of worship, is the subject of discussion at different levels. Using a historical-analytical approach, this research examines the concept of Jam and its types, its historical background, its nature and functions, and the challenges related to its recognition as a place of worship. The research method is descriptive-analytical and data has been collected using library sources and interviews conducted by the author.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 December 2025