Page "Ulama" Paragraph 21

In order to become one of the ulama in the Ottoman Empire, one had to have studied at a madrasah and be an expert in all the religious sciences, specializing in one or two specifics.

In addition, the student had to have been tested and approved by higher ranking ulama.

Such assessment by experts gave the ulama legitimacy in the eyes of the public, because it imitated the way the Caliphs after the death of the Prophet Muhammad were appointed.

In 14th and 15th century Ottoman Empire, there were not many madrasahs, and so the ulama traveled to countries such as Persia and Egypt to further their education.

Upon the conquering of Istanbul however, the sultan converted eight churches into madrasahs and placed eight of the best ulama as the heads.