Appointment and Dismissal of Muftis between 1718–1869 in the light of the Ottoman Law-Court Registers (Bulgarian Archives)
Appointment and Dismissal of Muftis between 1718–1869 in the light of the Ottoman Law-Court Registers (Bulgarian Archives)
Author(s): Recep ÇiğdemSubject(s): History, Cultural history, Diplomatic history, Ethnohistory, Political history, Modern Age, Special Historiographies:, Theology and Religion, Islam studies, 18th Century, 19th Century, The Ottoman Empire
Published by: Институт за исторически изследвания - Българска академия на науките
Keywords: Mufti; Islam; law; expert; Ottoman Empire;
Summary/Abstract: Muftis are the religious and legal experts in the Muslim societies. One of their main functions was to issue legal opinion and thereby influence the decisions of the judges and political authorities. They served as such in the Ottoman Empire. The judges generally concluded the cases in the light of fatwas. In other words, muftis were important figures in the Ottoman religious and legal system. For this reason, it is important to find out their appointment and dismissal procedure to their official posts. This article outlines the historical background and the qualifications of the Muftis. Afterwards, it analyses their appointment and dismissal decrees recorded by the judges in their law court registers which have been preserved at the St. St Cyril and Methodius National library of Bulgaria.
Journal: Bulgarian Historical Review / Revue Bulgare d'Histoire
- Issue Year: 2016
- Issue No: 1-2
- Page Range: 143-170
- Page Count: 28
- Language: English
- Content File-PDF
