Religious Authority in the Ottoman Islam Under State Control
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: L’Autorité religieuse dans l’islam ottoman sous le contrôle de l’État ?
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Nathalie Clayer
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: L’Autorité religieuse dans l’islam ottoman sous le contrôle de l’État ?
Year: 2004 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.2158
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Ottoman Empire, particularly from the late 15th century onwards, saw the emergence of a specific category of high religious dignitaries known as the ‘ilmiyye. This elite group of scholars and clerics was accessible only to those who followed a strictly defined and state-controlled cursus honorum. The political power of the Ottomans prioritized the regulation of religious authority, leading to a quasi-bureaucratization of these religious figures, which would later influence the governance structures in nation-states during the 20th century. However, the institution of the ‘ilmiyye did not encompass the entirety of religious figures in the empire, resulting in a dynamic interplay of authority among different religious entities.
The ‘ilmiyye and Control of Religious Authority
The ‘ilmiyye, as an institutional body of religious scholars, emerged as a significant component of the Ottoman system, tasked with interpreting and applying Islamic law (sharī’a). The Ottomans aimed to maintain oversight over religious authority, resulting in a structure that partitioned the 'ilmiyye from other types of religious authorities, such as Sufis and lower-ranking religious servants. Although the ‘ilmiyye came to serve as a civil service-like body, granted control by the political structure, it did not encompass every aspect of the religious landscape, leading to a competitive arena for religious legitimacy that varied according to political circumstances.
The Role of the Sultan
The Sultan held a unique position as the divine authority within the Ottoman system, deriving legitimacy from Islamic law, which the ‘ilmiyye was commissioned to uphold. This relationship showcased a dual system where the Sultan acted as both a political and a religious figurehead. The sultans often utilized the ‘ilmiyye to legitimize their rule, but this control over religious authority did not extend unopposed. The legal authority of the ‘ilmiyye could challenge the Sultan, particularly when the latter sought to exert undue influence over religious matters, demonstrating a complex interaction between political and religious entities.
The Diversity of Religious Authority
Within the Ottoman Empire, religious authority was not monolithic; it encompassed various factions, including the ‘ilmiyye, second-rank religious servants, and Sufis. Each group derived its authority from different sources—scholarly knowledge for the ‘ilmiyye, local connections for lower-ranking clerics, and spiritual charisma for Sufis. This diversity was crucial in shaping the religious landscape, where the legitimacy of religious figures often depended on their ability to connect with the populace and respond to the dynamics surrounding them.
The Crisis and Evolution of Authority
The 17th century marked a period of crisis for both the Sultan and the ‘ilmiyye, as political instability allowed other groups, particularly Sufi orders and lower-ranking religious figures, to gain prominence. Movements like the Kadizadelis emerged, critiquing both the prevailing Sufi practices and the ‘ilmiyye's alignment with state interests. This period revealed the potential for contestation in religious authority and highlighted the ebb and flow of power and influence among various religious actors. By the 18th century, the aristocratization of the ‘ilmiyye began to take effect, resulting in hereditary dynasties of clerics, thus changing the landscape of religious authority once again.
Conclusion
In summary, the interaction between political and religious authorities within the Ottoman Empire demonstrated a complex and evolving relationship. The institution of the ‘ilmiyye played a significant role in mediating this authority, yet it was never absolute. Various groups, including Sufis and lower-tier clerics, maintained significant religious agency, reflecting the nuanced fabric of Ottoman society. The rise and decline of different forms of authority illustrated that while the state sought to control religion, the inherent complexities of social and spiritual life often led to alternative expressions of authority and legitimacy. This dynamic is essential for understanding the broader implications of religious governance in a historical context.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the ‘ilmiyye in the Ottoman Empire?
The ‘ilmiyye was a specific category of high religious dignitaries, or ‘ulamâ�, formed in the Ottoman Empire by the end of the 15th century. Access to this category was restricted to those who followed a strictly defined and state-controlled cursus honorum.
How did the Ottoman state control religious authority?
The Ottoman state exerted control over religious authority by establishing the ‘ilmiyye and creating a structure that included officially recognized scholars. This control led to a form of bureaucratic religious establishment that influenced the functioning of the state.
What role did the sultan play in religious authority?
The sultan had a significant role as he derived legitimacy from Islamic law. He was considered the representative of God on earth, which made the relationship with the ‘ulamâ crucial for political authority, creating a mutual dependency.
Did the ‘ilmiyye encompass all men of religion?
No, the ‘ilmiyye did not encompass all men of religion. There were various categories, including lower-ranked religious servants and Sufis, whose religious authority existed independently or in competition with the ‘ilmiyye.
How did the authority of Sufis differ from that of scholars?
Sufi authority often stemmed from charisma, spiritual lineage, and personal piety, contrasting with the ‘ulamâ, whose authority relied on scholarly credentials and adherence to legalistic interpretations of Islamic law.
What changes occurred in religious authority in the 17th century?
The 17th century saw a crisis in the Ottoman Empire, weakening the authority of both the sultan and the ‘ulamâ. Sufis and lower-ranked religious figures gained prominence, challenging the traditional structures of religious authority.
What was the relationship between ‘ilmiyye and political power?
The relationship was characterized by control and mutual legitimization. While the ‘ilmiyye operated under political authority, it also played a role in reinforcing the legitimacy of that authority through religious endorsement, demonstrating complex interdependencies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Religious Authority in the Ottoman Islam Under State Control�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Knowledge:
In the context of the Ottoman Empire's religious authority, knowledge refers to the mastery of sacred law and religious sciences necessary for members of the ‘ilmiyye. This knowledge was paramount for religious scholars and served as the basis for their religious authority and recognition within the political and religious spheres.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 86]