Social, Cultural and Religious Life in Istanbul a Century Ago Through the Eyes of Tahir Ilyasi One of the Idel-Ural Tatars

Abstract

Born in Tsarist Russia in 1881, Tahir Ilyasi was sent to Turkey in 1922 to gather aid for the starving Muslims in Russia, and he kept a diary covering the period between June 18 and August 28, 1922 when he was there stayed in Istanbul. These dates are the period when preparations for the Great Offensive were made and include the years of occupation. As a good observer, Tahir İlyasi reflected in his diary on the social structure and economic situation of Ottoman society, as well as people's religious feelings and thoughts during his stay in Istanbul. Ilyasi also mentions with sadness the behavior of both religious officials and the public against some principles of Islam. During his stay in Istanbul, Ilyasi, who has met with many high-ranking administrators and scholars, especially the shaykh al-islām, transmits his observations on the situation of Ottoman madrasahs, libraries and museums, Friday and Eid prayers, funeral ceremonies and circumcision celebrations at that time. This article aims to examine the religious life in Istanbul, problems of social life and the situation of the Crimean and Idel-Ural Tartars in Istanbul in the context of Tahir Ilyasi’s 1922 Istanbul diary during the years of occupation. Tahir Ilyasi’s views on some religious issues are also included.