ISSN: 1011-727X
e-ISSN: 2667-5420

Mustafa Oral

Keywords: Heir Abdülmecit Efendi, Atatürk, Caliphate, Sultanate, Sheikh Sunusi

Abstract

No member of the Otoman Dynasty have neither supported or taken part in Turkish Independence War nor behaved in a patriotic way. While the heir to the throne, Abdülmecit, had been trying to take advantage of Kemalist movement for his struggle against Damat Ferit and Mehmet Vah¬dettin; Kemal Atatürk had tried to make use of this clash betvveen Abdül¬mecit versus Damat Ferit and Vahdettin. While doing that, Kemal Atatürk aimed to form a crack and confusion in the Ottoman Palace which would result in a moral support from the Anatolian people. Hovvever, Heir Abdül- mecit's indecisive and untrustworthy pattem of behaviour made Kemal Atatürk give up the idea. Instead, he equipped Sheikh Snnusi with a moral mission and he preserved this mission until the obolishment of Caliphate. This unofficial relation between Kemal Atatürk and Abdülmecit had been learned by the public by time and also been carefully observed by the Al- lied Powers, especially the English.