The Idea of the Survival of the State, Social Order and Social Class in 17th Century Ottoman Siyasetnames

Siyasetnames are one of the fundamental sources of Islamic political thought. These works, which provided information and advice to the ruler about state administration, also attracted great attention during the Ottoman period. This interest reached its peak, especially in the 17th century, when various problems and disruptions were experienced in state administration and social structure. During this period, many political treatises were written by authors who sought to solve the problems in question and to ensure the survival of the state. The main purpose of the study is to reveal the basic ideas about the relationship between the survival of the state, social order, and social classes in the 17th century Ottoman siyasetnames. In the study prepared based on the document analysis method, Koçi Bey’s “Koçi Bey Risalesi,†Kâtib Çelebi’s “Düstûrü'l-amel li-ıslâhi'l-halel,†and Naîmâ’s “Naîmâ Tarihi†are examined. According to the findings obtained in the study, a close connection is established between the survival of the state and order in the siyasetnames. In order to establish social order, it is necessary to ensure balance and harmony between social classes. It is emphasized that the justice of the ruler will ensure this because, according to the authors, if the ruler is just, the ruled will obey him, and an orderly and moral society will emerge. In this context, it can be said that the idea of survival of the state and social order in the 17th century Ottoman siyasetnames was based on a vision of government and society centered on justice and morality.