The Ottoman ulema and the quest for an Islamic constitution : revolution and revelation / Yakoob Ahmed

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ahmed, Yakoob, author.

Series:

Edinburgh studies on the Ottoman Empire

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Constitutional law--Turkey--History--20th century.

Constitutional law.

Islamic law--Turkey--History--20th century.

Islamic law.

Turkey--Politics and government--1878-1909.

Turkey.

Turkey--Politics and government--1909-1918.

Turkey--History--Revolution, 1908.

Turkey--History--Ottoman Empire, 1288-1918.

Physical Description:

1 online resource : illustrations

illustration

Place of Publication:

Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press, [2026]

Summary:

"Centres the ulema in the late Ottoman Empire's history of revolution, constitutionalism and modernity Explores the rise, development, transformation, and eventual demise of the empire within its local and global context Focuses on the mutual impact and influences these interactions had on both the empire itself and its neighbours Investigates the empire's political, social, religious, economic, cultural, and diplomatic dynamism and diversity Utilises the best in social science and humanities theoretical and methodological approaches The Constitutional Revolution of 1908-1909 is one of the most transformative yet misunderstood moments in late Ottoman history. This book challenges conventional narratives of this period as a secular rupture by the Young Turks from Islamic tradition, instead spotlighting the pivotal role of the Sunni ulema in shaping and sustaining the new constitutional order. Drawing on Ottoman press materials, parliamentary debates and contemporary theological writings, the book demonstrates how the ulema articulated a distinctly Islamic vision of constitutionalism rooted in meşrutiyet (consitutionalism), şura (consultation) and adâlet (justice), while also engaging critically with modern ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity. It shows how, far from being passive or reactionary, the ulema emerged as active political thinkers and institutional actors who sought to reconcile Islamic governance with modern constitutional principles. Placing the Constitutional Revolution within a larger discourse that was part of a century-long culture of revolts and revolutionary activity, this book reframes the late Ottoman constitutional experience as a dynamic synthesis of faith, reform and political modernity"-- De Gruyter Brill

Contents:

Introduction : An Islamic revolution and the reconfiguration of the Ottoman government

Historical context : discursive movement towards constitutionalism

The first constitutional experiment and failure, 1861-1878

In opposition to and support of the Sultan

Public festivities and the increased visibility of the ulema

Revolt as an extreme form of negotiation

Epilogue : a new beginning or the beginning of the end?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Online resource; title from PDF title page (De Gruyter Brill, viewed September 24, 2026)

Other Format:

Print version: Ahmed, Yakoob Ottoman ulema and the quest for an Islamic constitution

ISBN:

9781399530484

1399530488

9781399530491

1399530496

OCLC:

1550577105

Publisher Number:

CIPO000395946

CIPO000395947

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license