remained as a member of the Darü'l-Hikmet for the four years of its short existence. It was closed in November 1922 when the Sultanate was abolished by the Ankara Government. However, as we shall see, despite the great need for the Darü'l-Hikmet, and the efforts of its members, the situation did not allow for the full accomplishment of its aims.

A number of Darü'l-Hikmet documents concerning Bediuzzaman are still extant. Below are the Şeyhü'l-İslam's memo concerning his appointment to the rank of Mahrec, [^295] and the Caliph's edict ratifying the appointment. Firstly is the War Ministry's request that he be appointed, signed by Enver Pasha, referred to in the Şeyhü'l-İslam's memo.

[^295]: Mahrec: One of the ranks of the 'ulema or religious establishment, it was also known as Mahrec Mevleviyeti. Mahrec Mevleviyeti was higher than Kibar-ı Müderrisin, and lower than Bilad-ı Hamse Mevlevieyeti. Mahrec was the equivalent of the civil ranks of Saniye Sınıf-ı Sanisi and Mirü'l-Ümeralık, and of the military rank of Kaymakamlık. Şahiner, Said Nursi, 185.

Exalted permission is requested that, on account of his patriotic efforts in mobilizing the tribes to fight and his distinguished and witnessed public-spirited services to the fatherland, Bediuzzaman Said Efendi, who took part in the fight against the Russians at Bitlis, was taken prisoner, and has recently returned, be appointed to a rank in the religious establishment conformable with the dignity of his learning.

10 Ağustos 1334 (10 August 1918)

Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief

and Minister of War, Enver [^296]

[^296]:S. Albayrak, Yürüyenler ve Sürünenler (4  th edn.), Istanbul 1989, 148-9.

The Office of the Seyhü'l-İslam

212

Honoured Sir,

It has been made known by the Illustrious Ministry of War that Bediuzzaman Said-i Kurdi, who took part in the battle with the Russians at Bitlis, was taken prisoner, and has recently returned, has been honoured with a grade in the religious establishment on account of his patriotic efforts in mobilizing the tribes to fight and his distinguished and witnessed public-spirited services to the fatherland. The Imperial Rescript considering it suitable that the above-mentioned, who has recently been appointed to the Darü'l-Hikmeti'l-İslamiye, be honoured with the rank of Mahrec, has been set out and presented. In whatever way, therefore, the Caliph's Imperial Decree is concerned with the matter, it is evident, Sir, haste will be made to carry it out.