#### Bediuzzaman Calls for Order

Bediuzzaman Calls for Order

We learn of Bediuzzaman's own movements during the revolt and how he did all he could to reestablish order within the Army from his defence speech to the court martial. He told the court:

I watched the fearful activity on the day of the 31st of March for two or three minutes from the distance. I heard numerous demands... I understood the matter was bad; obedience was spoilt, advice would have been ineffective. Otherwise like always I would have attempted to quench the fire. But the people were many, my fellow-countrymen heedless and naive, and I would have been conspicuous because of my undeserved fame. I left after three minutes, and went to Bakirköy so that those who knew me would not join it. And I advised those who just happened to be there not to take part. If I had been involved to even the tiniest degree, my clothes would have shown me up, my unwanted fame would have pointed me out to everyone. I would have appeared very significant in the matter. Indeed, even if alone as far as Ayastefanos [Yeşilköy], I would have put in an appearance confronting the Operation Army. I would have died manfully. Then my involvement would have been plain; it would not have been necessary to prove it.

On the second day I asked about obedience in the Army, which is the source of our life. They said: "The officers have put on soldiers' uniforms and discipline is not spoilt too much." Again I asked how many officers had been shot. They deceived me and said: "Only four. And they were tyrants. Also, procedure and punishment will be according to the Shari' a."

Also, I looked at the newspapers. They too described the uprising as though it was lawful. And in one way I was pleased, because my most sacred aim is for the Shari'a's rulings to be applied and enacted in full. But I felt infinitely hopeless and saddened because harm had come to discipline in the army. So I addressed the soldiers through all the newspapers saying:

"O Soldiers! If your officers are wronging themselves with some transgressions, you are in one respect wronging thirty million Ottomans and three hundred million Muslims and infringing their rights through this insubordination. For the honour, happiness, and banner of Divine Unity of all Islam and all Ottomans is at this time in some respect dependent on your obedience.

"And you want the Shari'a, but with your disobedience you are opposing the Shari'a."

I flattered their action and courage, because the newspapers — those lying interpreters of public opinion — showed their action to be lawful. To a degree I made my advice effective by showing appreciation. And to a degree I quelled the rebellion. Otherwise it would not have been put down so easily.