Sheikh Edebali (1206–1326) was a highly influential[1] and respected Turkish religious leader, who helped shape and develop the policies of the growing Ottoman State.
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Although sources pertaining to his place of birth are conflicting, Sheikh Edebali may have been born in Karaman, an important city for Seljuk Empire. Other sources indicate that he migrated to Anatolia from Khorasan, a region in Central Asia comprising modern day Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
After finishing his studies in Islamic law at Karaman, Edebali went to Damascus where he studied under notable Islamic scholars and thinkers. Edebali returned to Anatolia and settled in a village near Eskisehir.
Affluent and wealthy, Edebali spent his money for other people as he built lodges for religious students, gave food to the poor, and funded Islamic law programs aimed at teaching Anatolian Turks the principles of Islam. Edebali, who was also referred to as Mullah, is considered the spiritual founder of Ottoman Empire and also being the first Qadi of the empire.
It remains unclear whether Edebali met with the illustrious poet Rumi. While Rumi and Edebali lived in nearby regions, sources lack as to supporting the proposition of a meeting between the two figures.
Edebali often convened with Ertugrul Ghazi, the father of Osman Ghazi, conversing about Islam and the state of affairs for Muslims in the Anatolian region. Osman Ghazi had been Edebali's guest several times and consequently, Edebali became a mentor for Osman Ghazi and girded Osman with a ghazi sword.[2] In an often mentioned account, Osman, while at Edebali's lodge, dreamt seeing the crescent moon coming out from Edebali’s chest and entering into his own chest.[3] A tree then emerged from Osman’s chest. Osman saw people, rivers and horses under the tree. When he awoke, Osman hurriedly told Edebali about the dream. Edebali responded that the moon represents Edebali’s daughter, Malhun Hatun, and she would one day be Osman’s wife. Edebali said that this marriage will spawn a dynasty and a mighty empire symbolized by the tree in his dream. Edebali's interpretation of Osman's dream proved accurate. Osman went on to marry Edebali’s daughter, Malhun Hatun who is the mother of Orhan Ghazi, the second leader of Ottoman Empire, which prevailed as a world power for over 600 years.
After Osman Ghazi conquered Bilecik, Edebali retired to his lodge where he continued his religious propagation. It is noted however that Edebali continued to participate in battles with Osman Ghazi. Edebali lived until the age of 120, although birth records were hardly kept at that time. Malhun Hatun, died only a month after her father. Edebali's tomb is still in his lodge at Bilecik.
Edebali's advice to his son in law, Osman Ghazi, is very important to understand given that the message was carried about by subsequent Ottoman rulers. Edebali's words shaped and developed Ottoman administration and rule for many centuries.
In one famous declaration, Edebali told Osman:
O my son! Now you are king!
From now on, wrath is for us; for you, calm!
For us to be offended; for you to please!
For us to accuse; for you to endure!
For us, helplessness and error; for you, tolerance!
For us, quarrel; for you, justice!
For us, envy, rumor, slander; for you, forgiveness!
O my son!
From now on, it is for us to divide; for you to unite!
For us, sloth; for you, warning and encouragement!
O my son!
Be patient, a flower does not bloom before its time. Never forget: Let man flourish, and the state will also flourish!
O my son!
Your burden is heavy, your task hard, your power hangs on a hair! May God be your helper!