Nazif Efendi

Hacı Nazif Efendi of Prizren, whose date of birth has not been identified, was one of the scholars known in the late Ottoman learned circles for his muftiship and knowledge of fiqh. Prizren was an important centre of learning in Ottoman Rumelia, with its madrasa, muftiship and judicial circles.

Hacı Nazif Efendi’s title of Molla of Mecca shows that he reached a high position within the learned hierarchy. In Ottoman organization, the term “molla” was used especially for high-ranking judgeships, and judgeships in cities of religious centrality such as Mecca were among the prestigious offices at the level of mevleviyet.

Known for his knowledge of fiqh and for his service as mufti, Hacı Nazif Efendi died on 5 February 1327, corresponding to 18 February 1912, and was buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.