İskilipli Mehmed Atıf Hoca, Turkish author and scholar (b. 1875)

İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca: An Ottoman Islamist Scholar and His Tragic End

İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca (Ottoman Turkish: محمد عاطف خوجه), a prominent Ottoman Islamist scholar and vocal opponent of Westernization, was a significant figure during a pivotal period of Turkish history. Born in 1875 in the village of Toyhane, within the Bayat district of Çorum Province, then part of the expansive Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), he began his education in his birthplace, laying the foundation for his deep religious scholarship.

Early Life and Distinguished Scholarly Career

After serving for a few years as an imam in İskilip, a town that would become intrinsically linked to his name—"İskilipli" literally meaning "from İskilip"—he moved to Istanbul, the imperial capital, in 1893 to further his education. His academic journey commenced at a traditional madrasah, an Islamic theological school, where he immersed himself in classical Islamic sciences. Demonstrating exceptional dedication, he then pursued higher education at the Darü'l-fünun (the Ottoman University) Faculty of Divinity from 1902, graduating in 1903. Following his graduation, he secured a prestigious position as a Ders-i Amm (a high-ranking religious scholar qualified to teach advanced Islamic subjects) at the madrasah affiliated with the historic Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, a renowned center of Islamic learning for centuries. Throughout his career, his strong religious convictions and conservative views occasionally led to his arrest and imprisonment by the authorities, though he was consistently released.

Political Engagement and Opposition to Turkish Nationalists

Mehmed Âtıf Hoca was not merely a scholar but also an active participant in the tumultuous political landscape of the late Ottoman Empire. He, alongside Mustafa Sabri Efendi (who would become the last Ottoman Sheikh al-Islam), were key founding members of the Cemiyet-i Müderrisin (Society of Scholars/Teachers). This influential Islamic group staunchly supported the Sultanate and the government of Damat Ferid Pasha, a Grand Vizier seen as sympathetic to the Allied powers during the Turkish War of Independence. Remarkably, the Cemiyet-i Müderrisin advocated for a British mandate over Turkey and, controversially, even expressed support for the Greek invasion of Anatolia, believing it might restore the Caliphate's authority and preserve Islamic traditions against rising secular nationalism. Their stance placed them in fierce opposition to the nascent nationalist government in Ankara, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which was spearheading the Turkish War of Independence to establish a new, independent Turkish Republic based on secular principles. This ideological chasm set the stage for later confrontations.

"Frenk Mukallitliği ve Şapka": A Critique of Westernization

In 1924, a year after the establishment of the Turkish Republic and just prior to the acceleration of its extensive Westernization reforms, Mehmed Âtıf Hoca authored a highly influential book titled Frenk Mukallitliği ve Şapka, which translates to "Westernization and the [European] Hat." This treatise served as a powerful critique of the burgeoning embrace of Western culture and customs in Turkey. In it, he passionately advocated for the strict adherence to Sharia law and vehemently opposed what he perceived as corrupting Western influences. He specifically cited practices such as "Alcohol, Prostitution, Theater, Dance," and, most notably, the adoption of the "Western hat."

For Âtıf Hoca, the "Western hat" (fedora, trilby, etc.) was not merely an accessory but a profound symbol of the 'infidels' and Western cultural imperialism. He argued that its adoption by Muslims would lead to a catastrophic loss of Islamic identity, replacing traditional Islamic headwear like the fez, turban, or skullcap. This book articulated a viewpoint shared by many conservative segments of Turkish society who viewed the reforms as an assault on their religious and cultural heritage.

The Hat Act and Its Aftermath

The ideological clash intensified dramatically with the passing of "The Hat Act" (Şapka Kanunu) on November 25, 1925. This revolutionary law, a cornerstone of Atatürk's secularization program, mandated that all citizens wear Western-style headgear and explicitly banned traditional headwear, including the fez, turbans, and other religious coverings. The government's intention was to visually break with the Ottoman past and symbolically usher Turkey into a modern, Western identity. However, for many, especially in religiously conservative regions, this act was a direct affront to their faith and traditions. As predicted by Âtıf Hoca's earlier writings, violent rebellions erupted in several provinces, particularly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country, as people resisted what they saw as an imposed cultural change. The government responded swiftly and ruthlessly, suppressing these uprisings with force.

Arrest, Trial, and Execution

Given the volatile atmosphere and his prominent anti-Western hat stance, Mehmed Âtıf Hoca was arrested on December 26, 1925, and transferred to Ankara, the new capital of the Republic. He stood trial on January 26, 1926, before an Independence Tribunal (İstiklal Mahkemesi), special courts established by the new republic to try those deemed threats to national security or revolutionary reforms. The prosecutor, citing his book and its perceived role in inciting public unrest following the Hat Act, demanded a three-year prison sentence. However, the court adjourned the trial to the following day. On January 27, 1926, in a dramatic turn, Âtıf Hoca declared that he no longer wished to defend himself, perhaps acknowledging the predetermined nature of the politically charged trial. Despite the initial demand, he was sentenced to death for treason and inciting rebellion against the state, specifically under the provisions of the Law on Treason (Hıyanet-i Vataniye Kanunu). Mehmed Âtıf Hoca was subsequently hanged in Ankara on February 4, 1926, marking a tragic end for a figure deeply committed to his Islamic beliefs in the face of radical state-led modernization.

Frequently Asked Questions About İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca

Who was İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca?

İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca was a prominent Ottoman Islamist scholar and intellectual, known for his strong conservative religious views and his outspoken opposition to the Westernization reforms introduced by the newly established Turkish Republic.

What was his connection to the Hat Act of 1925?

He authored the book "Frenk Mukallitliği ve Şapka" (Westernization and the [European] Hat) in 1924, which strongly condemned the adoption of Western headwear as a symbol of losing Islamic identity. Although published before the law, his book's arguments were seen as inciting resistance after the mandatory Hat Act was passed, leading to his arrest and trial.

What was the Cemiyet-i Müderrisin?

The Cemiyet-i Müderrisin (Society of Scholars/Teachers) was an Islamic political group co-founded by Âtıf Hoca and Mustafa Sabri Efendi. It supported the Ottoman Sultanate and opposed the Turkish nationalist movement during the War of Independence, even controversially advocating for foreign mandates or interventions to preserve Islamic rule.

Why was İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca executed?

He was arrested following the Hat Act and the subsequent rebellions. He was tried by an Independence Tribunal in Ankara for treason and inciting rebellion against the state, particularly in relation to the unrest caused by the Hat Act. He was sentenced to death and executed on February 4, 1926.

What was the significance of the "Western hat" for him?

For İskilipli Mehmed Âtıf Hoca, the Western hat was a symbol of non-believers and Western cultural dominance. He believed that wearing it would lead Muslims to abandon their Islamic identity and values, seeing it as an imitation of foreign, un-Islamic customs.