Criticisms of the Sultan III. Murad Period in Mehâsinü’l-âdâb

Abstract

Gelibolulu Mustafa Âlî’s Mehâsinü’l-Âdâb presents a striking depiction of the political, social, and economic decline of the Ottoman Empire during the second half of the 16th century. The work delivers sharp criticism of issues such as corruption, unmerited appointments, palace intrigues, and moral decay within the ilmiye class, particularly during the reign of Sultan Murad III. This study reveals that the text serves both as a theoretical treatise on ethics and politics and as a critical examination of the dysfunctions within the Ottoman bureaucracy. By employing historical criticism and content analysis, the research explores the significance of Mehâsinü’l-Âdâb within the sociopolitical context of its time. It provides an in-depth analysis of problems like corruption, bribery, and the decline of the ilmiye class during Sultan Murad III’s reign, considering the political and societal dynamics of the era. Âlî’s critiques are evaluated using textual analysis, which is then compared with other contemporary sources and literature. This comparative approach highlights both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the work, demonstrating that it offers concrete observations about the flaws in the administrative structure of the Ottoman state. © 2025, Selim Hilmi Ozkan. All rights reserved.