http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/1866712429

Ottoman high politics and the Ulema household

In the 17th century, the elite household ("kapi") became the focal point of Ottoman elite politics and socialization. It was a cultural melting pot, bringing together individuals of varied backgrounds through empire-wide patronage networks. This book investigates the layers of "kapi" power through the example of "Seyhulislam" Feyzullah Efendi, who occupied the highest position in the legal-academic establishment between 1695 and 1703. During this time Feyzullah Efendi amassed extraordinary power and wealth, and became hated by both the ruling elite, including his own peers, and the rank and file. This resulted in his violent demise, a direct consequence of which came to be known in Ottoman history as the "Edirne Incident". Feyzullah Efendi was an extraordinary personality, and his uniqueness helps us understand more about normative expectations and practices associated with the expansion and working of Ottoman elite households established by viziers, pashas and ulema.

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