Keeping the memories of Sheikh Bedreddin, Börklüce, and Torlak alive

There has been an initiative ongoing for years to erect a monument in Karaburun to keep the memories of Sheikh Bedreddin, Börklüce, and Torlak alive. To this end, the “Sheikh Bedreddin and Börklüce Mustafa Culture, Art, and Solidarity Association” was established in 2010. Kani Beko, one of the former presidents of DİSK, also worked toward this goal.

Most recently, on December 27, 2024, Mehmet Şakir Örs, the Aegean Regional Representative of Cumhuriyet Newspaper, once again voiced the need for a monument in Karaburun that commemorates the memory and struggle of Sheikh Bedreddin and Börklüce. Later, author and political scientist Kemal Anadol emphasized that the integrity of Sheikh Bedreddin, Börklüce, and Torlak Kemal must be preserved in this monument to be erected. Author Yaşar Aksoy also tried to keep the issue on the agenda through various articles.

However, no progress had been made regarding the erection of the monument. For this reason, on April 30, 2025, a group consisting of author Hidayet Karakuş, author Efdal Sevinçli, Erdal Karademir, Recai Şeyhoğlu, Ardahan Totuk, and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kaymakçı, led by Kemal Anadol, visited İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tuğay to revive the issue and advocate for the construction of the aforementioned monument. During the visit, Kemal Anadol informed Tuğay about the subject. He explained that they had also received a positive opinion from Karaburun Mayor İlkay Girgin Erdoğan. The request was then formalized by submitting a petition.

What was Sheikh Bedreddin's doctrine?

It is known that Sheikh Bedreddin served as the kazasker (military judge) for Musa Çelebi in Edirne between 1411 and 1413 during the Ottoman Interregnum, but that Mehmed I, who emerged victorious from the Interregnum, sent Bedreddin into exile in İznik and later had him hanged.

There are numerous works regarding the doctrine of Sheikh Bedreddin and his followers, Börklüce and Torlak. It can be said that the basis of their actions against the existing system was the unbearable economic burden placed on the shoulders of the peasants amidst the civil war environment and the struggle for the throne.

Furthermore, certain restrictions imposed on trade, such as the ban on wheat exports from Anatolia to the islands, had left people from all walks of life in the region in a difficult situation. This situation created very suitable conditions and an environment for uprisings in both Anatolia and Rumelia.

We can summarize Mizancı Murad Bey's views on Sheikh Bedreddin as follows:

• God created the world and bestowed it upon humanity.

• Wealth and agricultural products are the common property of everyone.

• People are equal. It is contrary to the divine purpose for some to possess wealth while others are left in need of even bread.

• Using power over someone because their environment and beliefs do not resemble one's own is contrary to sacred commands and purposes. Because thought and conscience are formed in harmony with nature.

• Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or Zoroastrian, all are servants of God, one and the same, and brothers. There must be friendship and loyalty among them. Because of this unity and friendship, that which is true (haqq) prevails over that which is primitive (batil).

• It is not right to accept the attacks of the ruler with understanding or to obey commands that are not in accordance with God's purposes.

• Rulers should be elected by the governed, as was the case during the time of the caliphs.

• Everyone should be able to express their thoughts and way of life as required by absolute freedom. One should act respectfully toward the lifestyles and beliefs of others.

In summary; a significant portion of Ottoman historians report that they viewed Sheikh Bedreddin initially as a great Islamic scholar and jurist, while another portion saw him as a theorist and activist of a movement seeking an egalitarian order in the 15th century. However, a point on which those with both approaches agree is that he was executed by the Ottoman State due to his opposition to the existing system.

What is known about Börklüce Mustafa and Torlak Kemal?

It is known that Börklüce Mustafa was the steward (kethüda) of Sheikh Bedreddin and that he returned to Aydın after Bedreddin was sent into exile in İznik by Mehmed I. There, he gathered peasants and poor dervishes who were dissatisfied with the Ottoman administration and led the struggle against the existing system by organizing a sharing-oriented peasant movement with an understanding that did not discriminate based on religion.

According to various sources, he gathered between 4,000 and 10,000 people around him. At the beginning of the struggle for rights centered on the Karaburun Peninsula, Börklüce's army defeated İskender Pasha, the Saruhan governor of Mehmed I. Following this first defeat, Mehmed I dispatched Ali Bey, the son of Timurtaş Pasha and the Bey of Saruhan, to Karaburun with all Saruhan and Aydın forces.

However, in the final stage, Börklüce was defeated by the very powerful Ottoman Army and could not escape being taken prisoner. There is a legend that even as his loyal dervishes were being massacred before their eyes, they said to Börklüce, "İriş Dede Sultan, iriş!" (Reach us, Dede Sultan, reach us!).

Torlak Kemal also gained fame for spreading Sheikh Bedreddin's ideas in and around Manisa after the Interregnum. He led a movement that began in the vicinity of Manisa, likely at the same time as Börklüce Mustafa's struggle for rights. This smaller movement was also violently suppressed. He was captured and hanged in Manisa in 1419.

Why is it important to keep the memories of Sheikh Bedreddin, Börklüce, and Torlak alive?

As stated, the fundamental starting point of the struggle for rights initiated by Sheikh Bedreddin and his companions against the existing system was aimed at achieving an egalitarian distribution in the 15th century.

In this context, a monument to be erected in memory of Sheikh Bedreddin and his companions will be an indication that we claim the search for an egalitarian order initiated on these lands and that we will continue their struggle in light of the opportunities provided by our Constitution and the realities of today.

I hope that all patriots will take ownership of this issue, which has been left in limbo for years.