The Caliphate Debates in Turkey and Beyond: A Book Chapter By Prof. Dr. Nurullah Ardıç

The abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 remains a pivotal moment in Turkey’s transformation, marking a crucial step in its shift toward political secularization. In the newly published book The Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate, 1924: Debates and Implications, Prof. Dr. Nurullah Ardıç from our Department of Sociology, contributes a significant chapter, offering a detailed exploration of the complex debates surrounding this momentous event in Turkish history.

 

Ardıç’s analysis centers on primary texts that were foundational to the caliphate debates, which acted as battlegrounds for competing ideas and influenced discourse both within Turkey and internationally. By examining these primary sources, he highlights the intense ideological struggle over the future of Islam and governance in the post-Ottoman world. In addition, Ardıç critically reviews secondary literature, mostly in Turkish and English, from the latter half of the 20th century, noting how the academic discourse on the Caliphate has often been politicized rather than objective. This reflects the deep ideological divides that continue to shape the political and academic spheres in the region.

 

This chapter not only provides valuable insights into the historical context of the Caliphate’s abolition but also invites readers to reflect on how historical narratives are contested, offering a thought-provoking perspective on Turkey’s secular republican transition and its broader implications.