The Influence of Fatwa on Ottoman Administration and Society: Ebussuûd Efendi’s Fatwas Regarding Cyprus and Lepanto

Abstract

The Battle of Lepanto (1571) is the most significant naval war that took place in the Mediterranean. The Ottoman fleet was almost destroyed, with many ships sinking or being seized by the fleet of the Crusaders which was gathered in Europe following the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus (1570-71). Following the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1570-71, the European Crusaders allied, and the Ottoman fleet was almost completely destroyed, with many ships sinking and others captured by the Crusader fleet. To recover from the defeat, the Ottoman state decided to build a new imperial navy in the Imperial Shipyard as well as on the Black Sea’s Anatolian and Rumelian coasts. The expenses of such a huge enterprise were mainly covered by the state treasury but statesmen, led by the sultan himself, also lend support. In addition, people of substance were encouraged to help the state in supplying the provision and ammunition for the crew as well as the needs of the military troops. In this regard, two fatwas issued by Shaikhu’l-Islam Ebussuûd were effective. Pertev Pasha’s grants and promotions were also revoked after another fatwa declared that those fleeing the battle would perish whether they died or survived. The impact of three fatwas issued by Ebussuûd regarding the Siege of Cyprus and the Battle of Lepanto is examined in this article.