The L'Anse sentinel., 1923-07-13
Angora Plans
Islam's Reform

sembly Mt AngOra are not innovations |
at ALL but merely restoration of the
primitive doctrine of Islam, which, like
other religions has suffered In the
course Of time through the interpreta-
tions Of jealous theologians.
Thus the first important measure
taken by the Angora reformers, the
election of the Caliph by the repre-
sentatives Of the people after the
deposition of the ex-sutan, is entirely
In accordance with the democratic con-
ception of the Caliphate as held by
Mahomet and his immediate sue
cessors. 1t has, therefore, completely
failed to awaken that storm Of protest
so eagerly anticipated by the ex-sul-
tan's European protectors and has
been accepted and recognized as a
legal act by the Moslems Of all lands
Similarly, the ban against taking In
terest for loans, which has paralyzed
Turkish business activity in the past,
appears to be based on an erroneous
Interpretation of the Koran. which In
reality only prohibits usury. 1t is GER
tain that this Introduction will be elm
mated by the reform committee, and
there are already today three purely
Turkish banks operating in Constanti-
nople.
| When the Turks Of all classes realize
that it Is no longer incompatible with
their religion to engage In banking
| business they will be better able to
compete with their Greek and Armeni-
an neighbors, and the chief source of
racial strife in Turkey will be grad
ually removed.
| Another less vital but equally sig
nifcant transformation has been ef-
fected as regards the Moslem interdic-
tion Of representing the human face or
figure, which was inspired by Ma
homets dread of idolatry, but Is abso-
lutely out Of date now. Even Turks
Of the lowest classes no longer evince
any dislike of being photographed, and
the national assembly has stamped
Its approval on their tolerance by de-
crceing the erection of an equestrian
statue Of Mustapha Kemal in Angora,
the first monument of It's kind In Tur-
key, though several already exist In
Egypt. ~"
May Heal Old Feuds.
The measures taken by the Nation
alist leaders to restore the primitive
austerity Of Islam, far from creating
dissensions among the Moslem races,
are calculated to heal many old feuds.
The introduction Of prohibition in Tur-
key, which is entirely In accordance
with the teaching of the prophet, has
made deep impression on the Waha-
bis and Senussis, the two great puri-
tanical and warlike Arab nations. who
until now hated and despised the Turks
as bad Mohammedans." The anti
luxury legislation of Angora cannot
fail likewise TO appeal strongly to
these puritans of the desert, who do
not even smoke or drink coffee and
among whom even the wearing of silk
and Of gold or silver ornaments Is for
bldden.
A great step toward the reconcilia-
. ton of Arabs and Turks, whose en-
nifty has so far been the cornerstone
Of European diplomacy in the Near
East, has thus been taken by the An
CORA government, and ere long Its con-
] sequences may become alarmingly ap-
parent.
The pan-Islamlc movement, inau-
] gurated by the astute Abdul Hamid,
= has found a new center In Angora,
3 and 1t is being now conducted by
young. ambitious men with modern
{: ideas, who have all the daring courage
, inspired by their conviction that their
+ country has emerged victorious out OF
: ten years struggle.
D The great shek of the Senussis
q whose power Is serious menace tc
Italy's colonies In Africa, Is the con
stant guest of Mustapha Kemal. upor
, whom he conferred sword Of honol
n after the victory of the Sangarlos. ant
v Is now on the borders of Mosul. usinl
: his influence over the Arabs Of Meso
/. potamia 10 pave the way for Turkish
: invasion In case Of war. Ambassa
" dors from Persia and Afghanistar
= have been accredited In Angora, an,
y delegations representing the various
+ nationalist parties of India and Egyp
+ have made II their headquarters.
n The ambition Of all these Easter
D. patriots Is TO follow Turkeys example
n by setting up national pacts" of thsi
II own and forcing their acceptance upol
n the European powers In the same man
ner az the successful Turks. Alread
q II is reported that the Arabs OF Tripod
10 have adopted national pact after tn