The world of religious thought of Eşref Edip Fergan

Eşref Edip Fergan, while being proficient in the field of law, is more prominently recognized for his identity as a journalist. In 1908, with the declaration of the Second Constitutional Era, Fergan initiated the publication of the magazine Sırât-ı Müstakîm/Sebîlürreşâd and continued its publication until 1965. Throughout this period, Fergan carried out important societal and cultural activities through the magazine. Despite interruptions, his efforts ensured that the political and social changes of the time were brought to public attention for an extended period. In this context, Fergan provided various perspectives to society through the magazine, gradually establishing it as an important intellectual platform. Fergan brought together prominent writers of the period in the magazine, fostering the emergence of a significant movement. The magazine he published with his colleagues, who shared the same line in terms of writings, content, and ideological understanding, is an indirect reflection of the longing for the Ottoman Empire. Fergan's works have been shaped in response to the changes and challenges faced by the Ottoman Empire, reflecting the intellectual movements specific to that period. Indeed, by prioritizing the Islamist movement, Fergan facilitated its development and spread. Therefore, under Fergan's strong leadership during both the Second Constitutional Era and the Republican period, Islamism became a powerful voice. He notably developed a strong discourse against the movements of Westernization and Westernism. In this context, it is possible to state that he contributed to the political and religious atmosphere of society. In this study, the life, thought structure, efforts in the role of an organizer for the magazine, and especially the religious thoughts and analyses of Eşref Edip Fergan are examined. The study focuses primarily on Fergan's works and is based on the academic interpretation of his religious thoughts expressed in these works.