- Ahmet Cevdet Pasha is
one of the biggest intellects whom Turks brought up in XIXth century.
Cevdet Pasha, was born in Lofça, which is within the
borders of Bulgaria today. After he completed his Religious school education, he went to
Istanbul when he was 17 years old. He took a diploma from the religious scholars in
accordance with the procedures of the day. He learnt Persian and French as a consequence
of his love for knowledge. He improved himself in mathematics, philosophy, cosmography and
natural sciences. He drew attention for his intelligence and diligence in his youth. He
worked in various duties beginning as a Cadi. He worked as the “Chairman of Supreme
Court of Provisions of Justice” and caused preparation of “Mecelle”, accepted as the
civil law on these days. He became the Minister of Justice for the first time in Turkey.
He carried out the posts of governorship and many ministries.
- As for Cevdet Pasha,
governments have two duties. One is justice, the second is to protect the country. This
idea shows the importance of justice in his opinion. This is because he thought that
judges received orders from only the laws. Therefore, judges have to obey the law even if
contrary to their consciences. The books and studies of Cevdet Pasha show that he is a
model person with superior skills. He contributed much to establishment of Turkish
Courthouses and their regular operating. Mecelle, prepared in his presidency
remained as the Turkish Civil Code for about half a century.
The
strongest aspect of Cevdet Pasha can be observed in his books.
- He instituted the
principles of Turkish language with his book named Kavâid-i Osmâniye, and introduced a
new and positive understanding and method of Turkish history understanding with his book
named Cevdet Tarihi. The eloquent Turkish of his Kısas-ı Enbiya can be shown as an
example any time.
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