Abstract:

The Turkic states that were established in the Iranian geography viewed the Ottoman Empire as the biggest political rival. Therefore, long-lasting struggles between the two states became more likely. The struggles continued under the rule of Iranian Shah, Nadir Shah Afşar (1736-1747). Nevertheless, bilateral relations between the two states became more dynamic during the same period. Nadir Shah was determined to make at-tempts to solve the sectarian problems coming from the past. One of such attempts was making the Shi’ite-Sunni rapprochement and Islamic unification possible by convincing the Ottomans to recognize the Caferism as the fifth sect. This attempt led to a series of negotiations between the Ottoman Empire and Iranian states. Nadir Shah attempted to organize a conference in Necef which was under Ottoman rule and a holy place for the Shi’ite faith. Nadir Shah’s goal was to make Caferism as the official sect of the Safavid Dynasties by putting an end to the existing practices of the Shi’ite faith. In addition, he viewed the sectarian unity between Sunnis and Shi’ites as a necessity for the Islamic world. As a result of his efforts, a council of Sunni and Shi’ite scho-lars was convened in Necef. However, the unanimously approved decisions taken by the council were never implemented. This study attempts to shed a light on the political and religious problems between the Otto-man Empire and Iran during the reign of Nadir Shah Afşar. What is more, this study will also elaborate on Na-dir Shah Afşar’s life and attempts, gathering of the Necef Commission, the decisions taken by that Commis-sion, and the importance of this Commission with respect to impacts it created for the two states.

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