in these regions has recourse for solving problems concerning knowledge and learning, since he considers himself to be a student, he has not as yet consented to change his dress.

"Together with his being a faithful and sincere servant of His Excellency the Supreme Benefactor, the above-mentioned is by nature gentlemanly and satisfied with little, and in the opinion of this most humble servant, whether in regard to good moral qualities or loyalty and worshipfulness towards His Excellency the Shelter of the Caliphate, among the Kurdish ulema who up to this time have had the good fortune to go to Dersaadet [Istanbul], is a person distinguished for his devoutness and is most worthy of benevolence. It is therefore boldly submitted that if he is made the object of special favour and facility in the matter of receiving treatment, it will be considered by all the students of Kurdistan to be an eternally unforgettable gracious kindness of the dynasty of His Excellency the Sultan.

"In this and in every matter the command belongs unto him to whom all commanding belongs.

 

There is no record of this letter having evoked the desired response. In any event, Bediuzzaman's first task when he arrived in Istanbul was to establish himself among the Istanbul ulema, to attract attention towards the problems of the eastern provinces, and publicize his ideas on educational reform. Indeed, by way of spurring him on, Tahir Pasa had said to Bediuzzaman: "You can defeat in argument all the ulema of eastern Anatolia, but you could not go to Istanbul and challenge all The big fishes in that sea," knowing that Bediuzzaman could not let such a challenge remain unanswered. Thus, on his arrival, Bediuzzaman established himself in the religious centre of Istanbul, Fatih, in large building known as the Sekerci (Sweetmakers') Han, which served as a hostel for many