The deaths and funeral ceremonies of Ottoman sultans (from Sultan Mahmut II to Sultan Mehmed VI Vahideddin)

Abstract

Death and funeral ceremonies are important means of understanding the cultures of communities and states. This study firstly aims to describe the demise and funeral ceremonies of the last seven Ottoman sultans (from Sultan Mahmud II to Sultan Mehmed VI Vahideddin) in detail. Determining the similarities and differences by analyzing the subject and gaining a deeper understanding of them is another significant goal of this study. Moreover, the common features of the funeral ceremonies of Ottoman sultans from the early period to Tanzîmât era are explained, and they are compared with the later period. An effort is made to examine the place of funerals under study within general process, and to reveal the continuing, extinct and “invented” funeral rituals. While exaggerated grief is seen in the mourning shows, funeral prayers and techîz (equipping) are in accordance with Islam. This study underlines that there was no respect for the personality and testament of the deceased sultan, and points out that the new sultan was the only efendi who could determine the burial place. In addition, it is explained that changes in the administrative structure- the “ekber-ersâd” system, the increasing influence of the Committee of Union and Progress, and constitutional monarchy affected the practice of funeral ceremonies. Another significant emphasis of this study is that Westernization, which was frequently discussed in the last century of the Ottoman Empire, also affected the funeral ceremonies, and some Western elements were added in this process.