The sheikhulislam of the period of Kanuni Sultan Suleiman and their effects on politics

The Ottoman Empire was one of the longest-lived states among Islamic states. This success was achieved thanks to politically strong administrators and deep-rooted institutions. One of the strong administrators was Suleiman the Magnificent, a ruler of the 16th century. This study, which deals with the influence of the sheikhs-ul-Islam during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent on politics and administration, consists of an introduction and three sections. The introduction defines the thesis topic, purpose, significance, sources, and methodology. The first chapter provides general information about Kanuni's life and the characteristics of his era. The second chapter discusses the origins of the institution of sheikhs-ul-Islam and the institution of sheikhs-ul-Islam in the Ottoman Empire. In addition, the biographies of seven sheikhs-ul-Islams who served during the reign of Kanuni are included. The third chapter provides general information about the origins of fatwas and examines the political influence of the sheikhs-ul-Islams who served during the period under study, from the perspectives of domestic and foreign policy. In the category of domestic politics, the fatwas of the sheikhs-ul-Islam on the decisions of the sultans, the killings of princes, dissident Sufi movements, legal legislation, and waqfs are discussed. In the field of foreign policy, their influence on the decision to go to war is discussed. In conclusion, it has been determined that the sheikhs-ul-Islams issued fatwas on numerous political issues. Their opinions and fatwas have revealed the significant roles they played in both domestic and foreign policy. 2025, ix + 124 Pages Keywords: Suleiman the Magnificent, Sheikh ul-Islam, Religious authority, Politics, Fatwa, Code of laws, Kizilbash.