Nakhchivani's sufi views in the context of his commentary called "el-Fevâtihul-İlâhiyya ve'l-Mefâtihul-Ghaybiyya"

Throughout the history of Islamic thought, disciplines such as exegesis, hadith, jurisprudence, theology, and Sufism have contributed to the construction of a rich, multi-layered cultural heritage. The Ottoman scholarly tradition played a pivotal role in shaping this heritage, as scholars developed new interpretations based on classical Islamic sources while also introducing innovative approaches tailored to the needs of their time. This research analyses the original approaches to Sufi concepts in the exegesis of the Sufi exegete Ni'metullah b. Mahmûd Nakhchivani, entitled al-Fawātihu'l-Ilahiyya and al-Mafatihu'l-Gaybiyya. Nakhchivani combined classical exegetical methods with Sufi interpretations, offering unique contributions to the subjects of ethics, worship, and spiritual education. He stands out as an exegete who interpreted each verse individually. The research evaluates the mystical concepts in the work comparatively using qualitative analysis methods in light of classical Sufi literature, attempting to reveal the author's place in Sufi thought. As such, this study focuses solely on this work, leaving aside the author's other works and the historical and socio-political context. Nevertheless, the originality in the treatment of the work's apparent and hidden meanings makes significant contributions to the tradition of Sufi exegesis; the introductory and concluding structure of each surah gives the work a privileged position in the literature. The research aims to make a valuable contribution to Islamic thought through an in-depth examination of Nakhchivani's Sufi interpretations. Nakhchivani's work is notable both for its literal interpretations and its symbolic, mystical depth. Furthermore, the fact that Nahcuvânî is buried in Akşehir is not merely a personal historical trace, but also an indication of how the Sufi way of life, established in Anatolia, was embraced by society.