Abstract

Sabri Ülgener is one of the leading names in the discussions on the economic mentality which has been an important issue of discussion since the beginning of the modernization movements in the Ottoman period. Ülgener employed the method which was used by Max Weber in his study on the Protestant ethic to investigate the reasons of the economic backwardness of Eastern societies. He basically argues that as a result of geographical explorations, trade routes had shifted to Atlantic coasts and the developments which were triggered by this shift brought into forefront a mysticalcontemplative mentality which is suspicious to trade and focuses on artisanship. Following Weber’s approach, Ülgener defends his thesis by emphasizing the convergence of various factors which have an affinity for each other throughout historical processes, rather than unilateral-causal relationships.