every means to utilize all areas of power and influence in Istanbul for their own ends, Bediuzzaman worked to neutralize their influence as far as the Darü'l-Hikmet was concerned, even if it lessened the effectiveness of the institution itself. And in another work he pointed out that it was because it lacked any real power that the Darü'l-Hikmet could not put an end to serious wrongs such as immoral conduct, the drinking of alcohol, and gambling, whereas the Government in Anatolia stopped them with one command. [^301]

[^301]:Nursi, "Tuluât," in Asar-ı Bedi'iyye, 105.

Another reason Bediuzzaman gave for the Darü'l-Hikmet being unable to perform its duties adequately was lack of harmony between its members. Their personal qualities prevented "a communal spirit" emerging. The "I's" did not become a "We" [^302] In fact, Bediuzzaman had long favoured the setting-up of a learned body such as the Darü'l-Hikmet, made up of specialists in different fields and based on the principle of consultation, to tackle the problems facing not only the Ottoman Empire, but the Islamic world as well. In Sünûhat, published in 1919-20, he discussed this in connection with the Caliphate, a subject of urgent debate at the time. Briefly, having stated that the Sultanate and Caliphate were inseparable, and that the Office of Grand Vizier represented the former and the Office of Şeyhü'l-İslam the latter, he pointed out that in modern, complex society and in the face of the myriad problems facing the Islamic world, it was beyond the capacity of a single individual to perform the duty of Seyhü'l-İslam effectively. A voice of such strength and authority was required at that time that it could only be supplied by a learned council such as one described above. He suggested that with the addition of further 'ulema, both Ottoman and from other parts of the Islamic world, an upgraded Darü'l-Hikmeti'l-İslamiye could form its basis. [^303]

[^302]:Ibid., 110.

[^303]:Nursi, Sünûhat, 36-40; Safa Mürsel, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi ve Devlet Felsefesi, 197-8.

Bediuzzaman's efforts, and success, in preventing the Darü'l-Hikmet being subverted and becoming a mere puppet in the hands of the British should not be underestimated. For it should be remembered that the British were all-powerful in Istanbul and exerted overwhelming pressure on the Sultan and those in positions of authority to have their will carried out. Also, there were severe differences of opinion among Turks — including the 'ulema — as to solutions to Turkey's predicament. These ranged from acceptance of the partition of Turkey, through various mandates or protec-