I’m not sure if this blog post is going to satisfy you, Abbe, but it’s clear that we have unreliable information regarding the manners and religion of these people. Most people who visit Turkey are merchants only interested in their own affairs, or travelers who don't stay long enough to give accurate reports.
I was thinking about Achmet-Beg, whom I met in Belgrade. He’s an effendi, or a scholar, and the scholars play prominent roles in the Turkish Empire. Talking to him gave me the opportunity to learn of their religion and morals in a way that maybe no Christian has ever had the chance to. I explained to Achmet-Beg the difference between the religion of England and Rome and he was happy to hear that there are many Christians who do not worship images or adore the Virgin Mary. He is not very fond of transubstantiation. I’m convinced that if Dr. Samuel Clarke had the chance to preach here, he would easily persuade his ideas to the Christians, whose notions are very little different from his anyway!
Mahometism is divided into as many sects as Christianity is. The Zeidi, Kadari, and Jabari reminded me of the Catholic, Luterhan and Calvinist sects we have, etc. The most prevailing opinion amongst the effendis is deism; however, this is kept secret from the people. Very few effendis (Achmet-Beg said there were none at all) would actually declare they didn’t believe in a God at all. Sir Paul Rycaut is wrong in calling the Muserin sect atheists because they are actually deists. Achmet-Beg didn’t admit to belonging to the Muserin sect, but he does deviate from some of Mahomet’s Law. For example, he drinks wine just as freely as we do. I asked him why he allows himself the liberty and he said although the prohibition of wine was a wise maxim, the prophet never intended on confining those who knew how to drink it with moderation. But he does avoid scandal and so he doesn’t drink it in public!
I was thinking about Achmet-Beg, whom I met in Belgrade. He’s an effendi, or a scholar, and the scholars play prominent roles in the Turkish Empire. Talking to him gave me the opportunity to learn of their religion and morals in a way that maybe no Christian has ever had the chance to. I explained to Achmet-Beg the difference between the religion of England and Rome and he was happy to hear that there are many Christians who do not worship images or adore the Virgin Mary. He is not very fond of transubstantiation. I’m convinced that if Dr. Samuel Clarke had the chance to preach here, he would easily persuade his ideas to the Christians, whose notions are very little different from his anyway!
Mahometism is divided into as many sects as Christianity is. The Zeidi, Kadari, and Jabari reminded me of the Catholic, Luterhan and Calvinist sects we have, etc. The most prevailing opinion amongst the effendis is deism; however, this is kept secret from the people. Very few effendis (Achmet-Beg said there were none at all) would actually declare they didn’t believe in a God at all. Sir Paul Rycaut is wrong in calling the Muserin sect atheists because they are actually deists. Achmet-Beg didn’t admit to belonging to the Muserin sect, but he does deviate from some of Mahomet’s Law. For example, he drinks wine just as freely as we do. I asked him why he allows himself the liberty and he said although the prohibition of wine was a wise maxim, the prophet never intended on confining those who knew how to drink it with moderation. But he does avoid scandal and so he doesn’t drink it in public!
Manuscript of a Qajar Qur’an, Scribe: Abd al-Mudhnab al-Khatti al-Jani Abdallah Iran, Tehran, Qajar, dated 1233 H / 1817-8 CE Photo Credit: Islamic-Arts.org
Achmet said that if I could read Arabic, I would really enjoy reading the Alcoran which is not at all like we English think it is. He said it’s of the purest morality written in the best language. Most of the copies we have are translations from the Greek priests, who would not hesitate to falsely interpret it--they are so corrupt and intolerant! Yet, they are not so different from the Romish Church. I have admit though, as much as I dislike the cruelty of your clergy, I dislike the barbarous persecutions of them when they don’t acknowledge the Pope even more.
Of all of the religions I’ve seen, the Arnounts seem the most particular. They are natives of Arnountlick and are the best militia in the Turkish Empire. They haven’t fully embraced Christianity or Mahometism and claim they are unable to judge which religion is best. But in order to avoid rejecting the truth, they follow both religions and so visit the mosque on Fridays and church on Sundays.
That is basically what I have gathered on the diversity of religions I have seen. Abbe, I am not going to apologize for the liberty I have taken in speaking of the Roman Catholic Church. I know you also expect me to tell you something about the antiquities of this country but there are barely any remains of ancient Greece. Anyway, I think I’ve told you everything worth telling in regards to my journey. When I’m in Constantinople, I’ll pick up on some more details and you’ll hear from me again!
Of all of the religions I’ve seen, the Arnounts seem the most particular. They are natives of Arnountlick and are the best militia in the Turkish Empire. They haven’t fully embraced Christianity or Mahometism and claim they are unable to judge which religion is best. But in order to avoid rejecting the truth, they follow both religions and so visit the mosque on Fridays and church on Sundays.
That is basically what I have gathered on the diversity of religions I have seen. Abbe, I am not going to apologize for the liberty I have taken in speaking of the Roman Catholic Church. I know you also expect me to tell you something about the antiquities of this country but there are barely any remains of ancient Greece. Anyway, I think I’ve told you everything worth telling in regards to my journey. When I’m in Constantinople, I’ll pick up on some more details and you’ll hear from me again!
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