Brett Wilson on the myth and reality of modern Turkey's religious reforms
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The myth of relentless secularist persecution of Sufi leaders in early Republican Turkey is challenged in this episode by historian Brett Wilson, whose research reveals a far more complex reality. Contrary to the widely held narrative that the 1925 law banning Sufi lodges led to mass repression, Wilson’s database of 121 Sufi sheikhs shows that the vast majority were not persecuted—they were absorbed into the new state apparatus. Many held high-ranking positions in education, government, and cultural institutions, and some even continued to lead Sufi traditions under state oversight. The article argues that the Kemalist project was not a monolithic campaign of eradication but a pragmatic effort to co-opt elite religious figures, ensuring their loyalty while neutralizing potential opposition. This nuanced picture undermines both secularist triumphalism and Islamist backlash, exposing a shared myth that serves ideological purposes on both sides of Turkey’s religious-secular divide. The episode also reveals how the law’s enforcement was inconsistent, with harsh crackdowns like the 1930 Menemen uprising failing to suppress underground Sufism, which instead evolved into hidden, decentralized networks. Ultimately, Wilson’s work calls for a reevaluation of Turkey’s foundational period—one that acknowledges compromise, continuity, and the enduring legacy of Ottoman-era elites within the modern state.
121 Sufi sheikhs from the late Ottoman era were absorbed into the Turkish state after 1925, with 96% continuing careers in government, education, or cultural institutions.
The 1925 law banning Sufi lodges was not a total eradication campaign—many sheikhs received state stipends and retained rights to live in their lodges for life.
Sufi leaders were not uniformly persecuted; only 4% of the database individuals faced punishment, usually due to political opposition or illegal activities.
The state co-opted elite Sufi figures through employment and integration, using them as a mechanism of control and legitimacy rather than suppression.
Despite the 1930 Menemen uprising and harsh crackdowns, secret Sufi ceremonies increased in the 1930s and 40s, indicating the law’s enforcement was inconsistent and ineffective.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing the Episode and Guest
William Armstrong introduces Brett Wilson, Associate Professor at Central European University and a returning guest, to discuss his article on Sufi leaders in the early Turkish Republic. The episode sets up the central theme: challenging the myth of harsh secularist persecution.
The 1925 Law and Its Origins
Wilson explains the 1925 law banning Sufi lodges, tracing its roots to the Sheikh Said revolt and Mustafa Kemal’s speech in Kastamonu. He emphasizes that the law was not premeditated in 1924 and was used as a pretext to justify the suppression of religious institutions.
Building the Database of Sufi Leaders
Wilson details the creation of a database of 121 Sufi sheikhs from the late Ottoman and early Republican eras, compiled with students over years. The project aimed to move beyond anecdotal accounts and reveal broader patterns of integration and survival.
The Myth of Persecution vs. Reality of Integration
“The narrative of constant republican persecution of Sufi leaders is inaccurate or at the very least inadequate to understand their experiences.”
Case Studies: From Sheikhs to State Officials
Wilson presents examples like Mustafa Safet Yetkin, who voted for the 1925 law and later became a mufti, and members of the Dinafi Baba Lodge who held diplomatic posts. These cases illustrate the elite continuity and state collaboration.
“He had to work in a factory. He couldn't make enough money even to pay for the public bath. So he remembers him as always being dirty. He always had lice that he couldn't get rid of.”
“The narrative of constant republican persecution of Sufi leaders is inaccurate or at the very least inadequate to understand their experiences.”
“Both sides actually almost agree that the early Republican state very harshly persecuted religious leaders and took these sweeping measures that sought to marginalise religious life.”
Host
Guest
brett wilson
person
turkey book talk
media
william armstrong
person
turkish republic
organization
mustafa kemal ataturk
person
menemen uprising
other
central european university
organization
substack
other
diyanet
organization
new perspectives on turkey
other
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