The alcohol controversy at the grave is escalating: The Presidency has also joined the debate.

19.12.2025 10:46

The leader of the CHP, Özgür Özel, faced a strong reaction from Dr. Ali Arif Özzeybek, a member of the Presidential Social and Youth Policies Board and the founding president of the Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi, regarding the footage of him drinking at the grave of Kamer Genç.

The recent resurfacing of footage from about five years ago showing the Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, drinking rakı at the grave of former CHP Tunceli MP Kamer Genç has sparked public debate. A strong objection came from Dr. Ali Arif Özzeybek, a member of the Presidential Social and Youth Policies Board and the founding president of the Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Presidency.

"THE ASSOCIATION OF THIS INCIDENT WITH ALEVIS..."

In a statement on his social media account, Dr. Özzeybek emphasized that drinking alcohol at a grave has no place in the Alevi path or in social life. He explicitly opposed the interpretation of the footage through the lens of Alevi identity, stating, "It is unacceptable to associate the incident involving the late Kamer Genç, whose grave was used for drinking alcohol, with Alevis."

"GRAVES SHOULD NOT BE PLACES THAT CHALLENGE OUR BELIEFS"

In his statement, Özzeybek drew attention to the sanctity of graves, saying, "People who have reached a certain age and hold positions of authority should know what can and cannot be done at a grave. Graves are not places where glasses wrapped in paper are clinked, nor should they be venues that challenge our beliefs."

HARSH WORDS FOR KÜBRA PAR: UNLESS SAID UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A SUBSTANCE...

Özzeybek also reacted strongly to the words of presenter Kübra Par, who stated during a live broadcast on a news program that "there is a tradition of pouring wine on the graves of elders in Alevi belief." He noted that these statements reflect serious ignorance both professionally and humanly, saying, "If these words were not spoken under the influence of alcohol or another substance, there is a significant inadequacy. If they were said with a clear mind, our duty is to first condemn and then seek healing."