TURKOMANS BETWEEN TWO EMPIRES: THE ... - Bilkent University

ut also from its content reflecting the self-image, either achieved or desired, of the
Ottoman state in the Islamic world and the new tendency in the official ideology
encompassing both domestic and international affairs of the empire.
Here I will give a brief summary of the letter. The letter begins with verses from
the Koran. But, without doubt, the verses were selected carefully. At the beginning of
the letter, the phrase “the true religion with God is Islam” 1850 is recited from the Koran,
Then it continues with another verse: “Inevitably those who lose faith after having had
faith and then indulge in their loss of faith – their repentance shall not be accepted; those
who are the ones who stray…” 1851 Then comes another verse: “Whosoever receives an
admonition from his Lord and gives over, he shall have his past gains, and his affair is
committed to God; but whosoever reverts – those are the inhabitants of the Fire, therein
dwelling forever.” 1852 After reciting these verses from the Koran, a pray follows: “My
Lord, register us among those who point out and follow the right path, but not among
those who fall into astray!” 1853
In the following paragraph that this letter is written from Sultan Selim to Shah
Ismail is mentioned. Here the epithets employed with the name of Selim call attention.
Selim is described as the slayer of the wicked and infidel who crushes the enemies of the
religion, the guardian of the noble and pious, the defender of the Faith, the head of gāzis
and mücāhids, haloed in victory, triumphant like Ferīdūn 1854 , Alexander of eminence,
and standard-bearer of justice and righteousness. On the other hand, Ismail is described
1850 Koran, III/19.
1851 Koran, III/85.
1852 Koran, II/275.
1853 IDRS, p. 139; CLZ, p. 562, Feridun Bey, p. 351; Lütfi Paşa, p. 208; HSE4, p. 177; ALI, p. 1082.
1854 An ancient celebrated king of Persia, who began to reign about 750 B.C.E.
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