Samples of Translated Texts 511
who have knowledge and wisdom, who are literate, and who can discuss affairs,
while the right of a representative to enter and serve on the councils of power
depends on such qualifications. In the opposite case, there will be no sense
whatsoever for the Exalted State–where the sultan has his own independent
opinion–except that the high councils of viziers and ulema and the assemblies
of the higher notables will fall without reason into the shape of democracy (cum-
hûriyyet), with the vain quest for majority.27 İbrahim Müteferrika (See Chapter 9)
From Usûlü’l-hikem f î nizâmi’l-ümem (“Rational bases for the order of the countries”):31
Concerning the opinions of the wise on the foundations of the rules of states: it
is clear and well-known that sultans and kings of the world, as well as the rulers
of men, differ in their religion, sect, custom, and disposition. The same applies
for the social forms of humanity, and that is why the structures of states and
societies differ from each other. In this matter, the words of all wise men follow
the opinions and views of three famous philosophers.
First, there is Plato’s view; he said that people must submit and obey to a wise
and just king, who has full independence in ruling the affairs of the state and to
whose decisions everyone must comply. This kind of state and kingdom became
known as “monarchy” (munarhıyâ) in the language of the wise men of Ancient
Greece, and most of the states in the world are structured along these lines. For
a person to be established in this place, a noble lineage is praiseworthy and
esteemed.
Secondly, there is Aristotle’s view. He said that rulership must be in the hands
of the magnates of the state, in the following manner: they should choose a head
from among them whom they will obey. In this way, nobody is raised above the
rest by lineage, and the head of this government cannot part from justice by act-
ing independently. This form of state is called, in the language of the wise, “aris-
tocracy” (aristokrâsiyâ). The word krâsiyâ means “government”, and thus this
means “rule of the magnates”. Nowadays, the state of Venice is governed in this
manner.
Thirdly, Demokratis’ view. He said that administration should be in the hands
of the subjects, so that they may avoid oppression by themselves. In this form,
government is conducted by election: for instance, people from every village
elect one or two whom they deem wise and experienced, and send them as31 Müteferrika – Şen 1995, 130–131 (copying Kâtib Çelebi); 146–147 (with small abridgements).