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appendix 2Appendix 2: Samples of Translated Texts
In order to keep the appendix within reasonable limits, not all the authors mentioned
in the book are represented here; instead, we have tried to make a selection that would
give a clear idea of the style and arguments of the various ideological trends described
above. When not indicated otherwise, translations belong to the author of this book;
published translations are occasionally simplified by excluding termini technici in pa-
rentheses etc.
1 Aşıkpaşazade (See Chapter 1)
From Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman (“The histories of the House of Osman”):1
When (Osman) took Karacahisar, the houses of the city remained empty. Many
people from the lands of Germiyan came, as well as from other lands. They asked
Osman Ghazi for houses, and he gave (some to) them. The town was soon inhab-
ited again. And he also gave (them) some churches to be turned into mosques.
... A judge and a subaşı were appointed. A market was founded and common
prayers were performed. The people began to ask for laws. Someone from
Germiyan came and said: “Sell me the toll of this market!” The community said:
“Go to the ruler!” The man went to the ruler and made his request. Osman Ghazi
said: “What is this market toll?” The man said: “I am to take money for everything
that comes to the market”. Osman Ghazi said: “Are the people of the market in
debt to you, so that you want (their) money?” The man said: “My lord, it is a cus-
tom. In all countries, whoever rules takes money”. Osman Ghazi said: “Is this an
order of God, or have rulers ordained it themselves?” And again the man said: “It
is a custom, my lord. It has been so from olden days”. Osman Ghazi was very
angry and said: “So one person’s gain can belong to another person? No! It is his
own property! What have I added to his property so that I may tell him ‘give me
money’? Go away and do not say such things to me again or you’ll regret it”. The
community said: “My lord, it is a custom that something is given to those who
guard this market”. Osman Ghazi said: “Well, since you say so as well, everyone
who comes and sells something, let him give two aspers. And whoever sells noth-
ing, let him give nothing. And if anybody breaks this law of mine, may God ruin1 Aşıkpaşazade – Atsız 1949, 103–104.