Opposing ideas against ottoman caliphate seat in the 19th century (The example of Abdurrahman B. Ahmed Kevâkibî)

The title of caliphate, which was established following the passing of Prophet Muhammad and undertook his earthly authority, was a reason of many political disputes during the time from its establishment in 632 to its abolition in 1924. This title, which was prominent both for polirtical and religious reasons, was indeed also essential for the Ottoman State. Especially after the loss of Crimea as a result of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca with Russia, Ottomans wanted to maintain the moral authority of caliphate on a politically lost Muslim territory through an international treaty for the first time. Likewise, the loss of territories due to Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78 and Christian subjects during the reign of Abdulhamid II, the population density of Muslim and Arab subjects within Ottoman territories increased. This situation led Abdulhamid II to a policy change and he used title of caliph as an element of diplomacy both domestically and internationally to a greater extent. In this period when Ottoman State attached great importance to the title of caliphate, it was significant for his time that Abdurrahman b. Ahmed Kevâkibî voiced the necessity of the title of caliph to be represented by a Quraysh Arab and openly expressed this opinion in his book. In this paper, which includes one abstract and three main parts, the opposition of Abdurrahman b. Ahmed Kevâkibî, who was born Aleppo in the second half of 19th century, to the Ottoman caliphate seat is examined. In the first part, the historical process of Ottoman caliphate as well as its milestones addressed briefly. In the second part, the opposing attitude and actions of Arabs and the English against Ottoman caliphate is studied in the context of dissenting opinions and activities against Ottoman caliphate seat in the 19th century. In the third part, which constitutes the main part of the paper, the biography of Abdurrahman b. Ahmed Kevâkibî, his immigration to Egypt and his social environment there and investigated broadly and his religious thought, political ideas as well as his dissenting opinions against Ottoman caliphate seat are tried to be explained. As a result of this study, it has been concluded that Kevâkibî, while it was not convenient for the conjuncture of its time, showed the courage to express his opposing opinions against the established caliphate seat and had a significant effect with his ideas after his passing. Keywords: Ottoman State, 19th century, Caliphate, Kevâkibî.