Ottoman Sunnism: New Perspectives

This book explores the complex and evolving concept of Ottoman Sunnism from the 14th to the early 20th century, challenging established notions and presenting it as a nuanced and diverse tradition. It sheds light on the possibilities within Ottoman Sunnism and contributes to the debate on the Ottoman age of confessionalization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of Ottoman Sunnism, spanning from the 14th to the early 20th century. By examining a wide range of perspectives across the empire, it sheds light on the diverse possibilities that existed within this religious tradition. Through a close analysis of intellectual, social, and mystical traditions, the book seeks to clarify the complex, nuanced, and evolving concept of Ottoman Sunnism. The authors in this volume challenge the prevailing bipolar definition of Ottoman Sunnism, which seeks to portray the Ottomans as solely embracing a rigid orthodoxy while suppressing its contrasting heterodoxy. By offering fresh insights and challenging established notions, the chapters in this volume make substantial contributions to the ongoing debate on the Ottoman age of confessionalization and also to the study of religion in the Ottoman context.

Introduction:
Ottoman Sunnism, a religious tradition that flourished within the Ottoman Empire, has been a subject of debate and contention for centuries. The contested nature of Ottoman Sunnism from the 14th to the early 20th century has been a subject of scholarly inquiry, with scholars seeking to understand the complexities and nuances of this religious tradition. This book aims to contribute to this ongoing debate by exploring the diverse perspectives and traditions within Ottoman Sunnism.
Diverse Perspectives:
The book draws on a wide range of sources and perspectives, including intellectual, social, and mystical traditions within the empire. By closely reading these traditions, the book aims to clarify the possibilities that existed within Ottoman Sunnism and present it as a complex, nuanced, and evolving concept. The authors in this volume rescue Ottoman Sunnism from an increasingly bipolar definition that seeks to present the Ottomans as enshrining a clearly defined orthodoxy, suppressing its contrasting heterodoxy.
Challenging Established Notions:
The chapters in this book challenge established notions that have marked the existing literature on Ottoman Sunnism. The authors seek to provide a fresh perspective on the tradition by examining it from various angles and employing a multidisciplinary approach. They explore the interactions between different religious communities, the influence of political and social factors on religious practices, and the role of intellectuals and scholars in shaping Ottoman Sunnism.
Contributions to the Debate:
The chapters in this book make substantial contributions to the ongoing debate on the Ottoman age of confessionalization. By examining the complex relationship between religion and politics, the book sheds light on the ways in which Ottoman Sunnism was influenced by and influenced the broader political and social context. The authors also explore the ways in which Ottoman Sunnism interacted with other religious traditions, such as Shi'ism and Christianity, and the impact of these interactions on the development of Ottoman Sunnism.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of Ottoman Sunnism and its contested nature. By examining a wide range of perspectives and traditions within the empire, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities that existed within Ottoman Sunnism and challenges established notions that have marked the existing literature. The chapters in this book make substantial contributions to the ongoing debate on the Ottoman age of confessionalization and the study of religion in the Ottoman context.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474443326