After the death of the fifth Sultan of the Turks, a man named Scheibech Bedredm, who had been Chief Justice to Muʾsa (brother of the Sultan), was exiled to Nice in Russia. While in exile, he conspired with his servant, Burgluzes Mustapha, to create sedition and provoke a second war. They decided that the most effective way to stir unrest was to introduce a new sect and religion, one that challenged the traditional Mahometan superstitions Private Ephesus Tours.
Preaching a New Doctrine
Burgluzes disguised his ambition under a serious and religious appearance and traveled to Adrianople, also called Carta. There, he began preaching ideas designed to appeal to the people’s desires for freedom and personal interpretation of religion. He spoke about liberty of conscience and the mystery of revelations, presenting doctrines that were unusual and contrary to established Mahometan beliefs.
Using all the persuasive arts known to teachers and orators, Burgluzes quickly gained followers. His teachings attracted many people who were dissatisfied with the traditional order, including those who were eager for a reason to challenge their ruler. In a short time, his disciples numbered far more than he had expected, showing the appeal of his new doctrines among the people.
Gathering Followers of All Backgrounds
Seeing the success of his servant, Bedredm fled from Nice and moved to Faldcbid. There, he disguised himself as a devout religious man and withdrew into a forest. In this remote area, he began gathering followers from the margins of society—thieves, robbers, and outlaws who were excluded from regular social and religious life. By appealing to their grievances and offering them a new spiritual and social identity, Bedredm created a small but dedicated group of adherents, ready to follow his leadership.
The Danger of Sectarian Movements
This story illustrates how religious ideas could be used as a tool for political rebellion in the Ottoman Empire. By presenting a new doctrine and promising freedom from traditional restrictions, ambitious individuals could attract followers, including those at the edges of society. These movements were dangerous because they combined spiritual authority with political ambition, challenging both religious orthodoxy and state power.
The rise of Bedredm and Burgluzes’ sect shows the deep connection between religion, social unrest, and political intrigue in the Ottoman world, where faith and power often intersected in unpredictable and sometimes violent ways.