ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the changing patterns of Alevi AK Party relations, especially focuses on the 'Alevi opening' and its wake as a turning point. It identifies some key themes of concern against the ruling party that have been systematically voiced by the Alevis over the years, and the ways in which they have been translated into a recurring critique. In the first years of AK Party power, the incentive of EU integration accelerated social and political reforms, some of which were welcomed by certain Alevi organizations. Some Alevi organizations also deplored the AK Party's alleged intentions to instrumentalize the Kurdish resolution process for political aims. Both the AK Party's pro-Islamic background and its policies while in power the poor achievements of the Alevi opening, the ruling party's sectarian stance especially regarding its Syrian policy, its discriminatory moves against Alevis, and its growing authoritarian tendencies have triggered strong critique by Alevis.
