Abstract:

This article aims to examine the political behaviors of Zazas of Turkey within the scope of their sectarian differences. The basic thesis of this article is that the political behaviors of Zazas in Turkey, primarily consisting of two different sects, Alevi-Sunni, are influenced by their sectarian identities. In this study, voter behaviors of Sunni and Alevi Zazas in the general elections (1950- 2015) have been examined. Tunceli has been chosen as the representative of Alevi Zazas and Bingol as of Sunni Zazas, considering the population composition ratio. This study is concluded as follows: Sunni Zazas, who supported the right-wing parties when politics was divided between two dominant poles, the right and left, began to use their political preferences in favor of Islamist parties with the emergence of the National Outlook Movement. Alevi Zazas, who traditionally supported the left-wing parties, have divided their political support between the leftist parties and ethnic Kurdish parties after the politicization of ethnic Kurdish movement. It can be argued that Alevi Zazas, who see the sect of Alevism as the dominant identity, have supported the left-wing parties and Alevi Zazas, who prioritize Kurdish ethnic identity, have supported the ethnic Kurdish political movement.

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