The ulema in the late-Ottoman Empire (1880-1920) :|the formation of professional ulema identity

Abstract

This dissertation is a portrayal of the formation of professional ulema identity in the late nineteenth century with a specific focus on the educational and professional experiences of ilmiye members. It argues that the career paths of ulema in educational and professional life experienced a major transformation after the reestablishment of the şeyhülislam office at the beginning of the Tanzimat. A number of regulations that allowed for more intervention in the procedures with respect to how members of ilmiye were educated, appointed, and promoted were designed by the central authorities to reidentify both their educational and professional practices. From this period forward, the ulema in the nineteenth century was affected because of various dynamics stemming from the transformation; consequently, a professional ulema identity became more apparent. The important steps that constitute the professional ulema identity, the reorganization of the şeyhülislam office, and the transformations experienced in the educational and professional life of the ulema are in the scope of this dissertation. This study explores the social origins, careers, social and political networks, and relations among Anatolian ulema who were officially assigned to the ilmiye between 1880-1920 with reference to the archival documents using a prosopographical method. It also responds to a narrative that is far from comprehensively explaining the actual place of the ulema. It thus illuminates the social and professional history of the late Ottoman ulema by bringing their main experiences into focus.