Change Visible from a Distance: Digital Analysis of the <i>Fetva</i>s of Ottoman <i>Şeyhülislam</i>s in the Early Modern Era

Abstract Using a distant reading methodology, the article examines thematic compositions of fetva compilations by four Ottoman şeyhülislam s in early modern era. Our analysis from late 17th and 18th centuries reveal that majority these opinions concerned small number issues, including women, family problems, contractual matters, disputes litigations. The also demonstrates representation with such concerns increased compared to what we find Ebussuud Efendi, 16th-century . But interest religious non-Muslims, taxation declined over time. Finally, proposes computational procedures identify complex contextual characteristics s’ opinions.