The Use of the Ottoman Caliphate Image as a Method of Deception in the Islamic World [1883–1915] Osmanlı Hilafet İmajının Bir Dolandırıcılık Yöntemi Olarak İslam Âleminde Kullanılması [1883-1915]

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SİVRİ P. M.

Osmanli Medeniyeti Arastirmalari Dergisi, cilt.2026, sa.29, ss.320-342, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)

Özet

This article examines cases of fraud committed in the Islamic world through the misuse of the Ottoman image. From the late nineteenth century onward, the Ottoman Empire sought to counter the pressures of colonial powers by adopting a caliphate policy. Through this policy, the Ottoman Caliphate gained prestige in the Islamic world, but this also gave rise to abuses. During this period, the Empire requested financial support from Muslims for certain projects and crises it faced. These appeals were often met with positive responses. Muslim contributions were particularly notable in projects such as the Hejaz Railway, the navy, and during the Tripolitanian and Balkan Wars. Some fraudulent groups, recognizing the sympathy toward the Ottoman Caliphate, spread across different regions of the Islamic world to exploit the goodwill of Muslims. They often presented themselves as representatives of the Caliph or Ottoman officials and collected money from the public. Ottoman authorities, seeking to protect the prestige of the Caliphate, tried to prevent such abuses, mainly through their regional offices. However, due to long distances and communication difficulties, their efforts achieved limited success. The study relies largely on archival documents and is supported by period press materials. In light of the findings, it seeks to reveal the scope and nature of these fraudulent activities.