Marking the anniversary of the Dersim Massacre, 12 Alevi associations asked for the recognition of the 4 May as Dersim '38 Tertele (genocide) day and the disclosure of the place where the graves of Seyit Rıza and his friends are.
12 Alevi regional associations in Dersim made a written statement on the anniversary of the Dersim Massacre which took place between 1937 and 1938.
In the statement the 12 groups requested that 4 May be accepted as Dersim '38 Tertele (genocide) and memorial day and the location of the graves of Seyit Rıza and his friends be disclosed.
The statement pointed out to the establishment of Dersim 1937-38 Genocide Research Commission in the Assembly and the need to end the denial and assimilation policies carried out against the people of Dersim.
The 12 associations also asked for the name Dersim to be reinstated and an apology to the people of the region. They also asked about the fate of the children who were given as adopted children immediately after the massacre.
Finally the statement demanded the cancelation of the dam and HEPP projects and the disclosure of the location of the graves of Seyit Rıza and his friends.
The institutions that signed the statement are as follows:
Alevi Bektaşi Federation, Ankara Association of Dersim People, Ankara Association of Varto People, Ankara Divriği Cultural Association, Democratic Alevi Association, Hacı Bektaş Veli Anatolian Culture Foundation, Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association, Kızılırmak Local Associations Federation, Sivas-Gürün Home and Külahlı Associations.
