Green Left Party Adana MP Tülay Hatimogullari made a legislative proposal suggesting that the Ghadir Khum, celebrated in Turkey by Arab Alevites, should be declared an official holiday. The Arab Alevis are celebrating their religious day Ghadir Khum today (July 5).

Green Left Party Adana MP Tülay Hatimogullari made a legislative proposal suggesting that the Ghadir Khum should be declared an official holiday.

"For the Arab Alevis living mostly in Hatay, Adana and Mersin in Turkey, the working life stops from the day prior to Ghadir Khum until the next day. Since all public institutions are open on that day, the Arab Alevi citizens have much difficulty in exchanging bairam greetings and fulfilling their religious obligations," Hatimogullari said.

She argued that the day should be declared a public holiday for the Arab Alevi citizens to be able to practice their religious duties and to feel as equal citizens.

Ghadir Hum event

The Ghadir Hum day is celebrated by the Arab Alevis and also all Shiite groups as the day when Prophet Muhammed pronounced Ali ibn Abi Talib as the Mawla in year 632 on the return from the Farewell Pilgrimage.

It is believed that Prophed Muhammed has said, in the region called "Ghadir Hum" between Mecca and Medina, "Ali is the Mawia of those that I am the Mawia of," and named Ali as the next caliph after himself.

Source: English Bianet