#### Tahir Pasha 's Letter

Tahir Pasha 's Letter

The Governor of Van and Bitlis, Tahir Pasha, who had provided Bediuzzaman with so much encouragement and support, now wrote him a letter of introduction to the Palace, pointing out Bediuzzaman's fame and position among the 'ulema of eastern Anatolia, and requesting the Sultan's favour and assistance in securing medical treatment, This treatment was for a form of mental exhaustion brought about by his extreme mental exertion over a long period of time. Bediuzzaman's nephew, Abdurrahman, notes that it was the competitive solving of mathematical problems in particular that had exhausted his brain, and that for a period of some three years during his stay in Van, he virtually give up debating of this kind and would only speak when necessary. [^82] The following is a translation of Tahir Pasha's letter:

[^82]:Abdurrahman, Bediüzzaman'ın Tarihçe-i Hayatı, 33-4; Son Şahitler, iii, 20.

A request from His most humble servant.

Since Molla Said, who is famous among the 'ulema of Kurdistan for his brilliant intelligence, is in need of medical treatment, seeking refuge in the compassion and kindness of His Excellency the Shelter of the Caliphate, he has set out at this time for His Exalted Excellency.

Although the above-mentioned is a person to whom everyone in these regions has recourse for solving problems concerning knowledge and learning, since he considers himself to be a student, he has not as yet consented to change his dress.

Together with his being a faithful and sincere servant of His Excellency the Supreme Benefactor, the above-mentioned is by nature gentlemanly and satisfied with little, and in the opinion of this most humble servant, whether in regard to good moral qualities or loyalty and worshipfulness towards His Excellency the Shelter of the Caliphate, among the Kurdish 'ulema who up to this time have had the good fortune to go to Dersaadet [Istanbul], is a person distinguished for his devoutness and is most worthy of benevolence. It is therefore boldly submitted that if he is made the object of special favour and facility in the matter of receiving treatment, it will be considered by all the students of Kurdistan to be an eternally unforgettable gracious kindness of the dynasty of His Excellency the Sultan.

In this and in every matter the command belongs unto him to whom all commanding belongs.

3 Teşrin-i Sani 1323 (16 November, 1907)

The Governor of Bitlis, Tahir [^83]

[^83]:Şahiner, Son Şahitler, iii, 17-18 (Istanbul Başvekalet Arşivi).