Bursa

Who was Molla Fenari, and why did he become one of the most important scholars of the early Ottoman Empire? Discover the life of Molla Fenari, traditionally regarded as the first Ottoman Sheikh al-Islam.

In this NEWLY MOTION journey through Bursa, Türkiye, we explore the remarkable story of Molla Fenari and visit the historic place associated with his name.

Born in 1350, Molla Fenari became an influential scholar, professor and judge during the formative years of the Ottoman state. His pursuit of knowledge took him through Anatolia and Cairo before he returned to Bursa.
During the reign of Sultan Bayezid I, he became a professor and later served as the judge of Bursa. His life was dramatically affected by the Battle of Ankara in 1402, after which he spent more than a decade in Karaman before returning to Bursa.
Molla Fenari also travelled to Mecca, Cairo and Jerusalem and became part of the major scholarly networks of his age.

In 1425, Sultan Murad II appointed him as the Ottoman mufti. Because of this historic position, Molla Fenari is traditionally regarded as the first Sheikh al-Islam of the Ottoman Empire.
His influence extended far beyond government service. He contributed to Islamic law, Quranic interpretation, logic, philosophy and Sufi thought and became an important figure in the development of the Ottoman scholarly tradition.
Today, his legacy remains closely connected with Bursa and the intellectual history of the early Ottoman world.

Explore history, places and culture with NEWLY MOTION.
Until we meet again on a new route with NEWLY MOTION.

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