Masonry; It is known as a closed organization that exists in many countries. Although much is known about Freemasonry, its mysteries have not been fully resolved. The French word ‘mason’ means ‘mason’. Although it is not known exactly when Freemasonry emerged, it is accepted that a man named Hiram Usta was the first freemason founder. Hiram Usta, the son of a widowed woman, Hz. He is the master who built the Temple of Solomon, which was built by the Prophet Solomon.
Freemasonry is based on freedom, equality, fraternity and solidarity. Its principles and rules are only known by its members, and members recognize each other with symbols specific to Freemasonry. The first Masonic structure dates back to medieval Europe after the 13th century. The masters who built the big churches established mason lodges, masonry professional associations, in order to keep the construction secrets and to determine the transition to apprenticeship, journeyman and mastership. People of European thought began to enter the Masonic lodges over time. Along with this process, the Grand Lodge of London was established in 1717 and traditional Freemasonry began today.
After this process, freemasons played an important role in many issues, including the establishment of America. Of the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence, which is considered the founding document of America, 15 are freemasons. The fact that the single eye or the compass and square, which are important Masonic symbols, are frequently seen in many monuments in the USA, is attributed to these names.
One of the ideas put forward about Freemasonry is that it was founded in the 19th century and it is a structure that has political aims such as changing the world order. There are those who say that the Masons disappeared after a while. According to some, it is the most powerful secret organization in the world that directs countries, and according to others, it is a structure that is no different from other associations.
The Development of Freemasonry in the Ottoman State
The development of freemasonry in the Ottoman Empire started after the establishment of the first big lodge in London, in 1721, when French masons established a lodge in Istanbul. The only freemason among the Ottoman Sultans is Murat V. V. Murat entered Freemasonry in 1872, when he was a prince. After a while, Murat V lost his mental health, so he was dethroned and replaced by his brother. II. Abdulhamid has passed. II, who did not take a stand against Freemasonry. Abdulhamid had good relations with countries such as England and France.
After the death of Murat V, Abdülhamid’s attitudes and behaviors towards freemasonry changed. For this reason, masonic activities were not seen in the Ottoman Empire for a few years, but masonic lodges continued to be opened. In 1909, the first Turkish Masonic Lodge was established. In the Karaköy building of Ziraat Bank, which was established in the same period, there are various statues representing the master Hiram, who is considered the founder of freemasonry, and the widow.
Due to the founder Hiram Usta, the definition of “widow’s child” is also used for masons. From time to time, widow’s purse is shown around the Masonic lodges and aid is collected. Anyone in need of the collected donations can take as much as they want. This method is done on the basis of confidentiality. It is said that there are 15 thousand masons and more than 260 masonic lodges in today’s Turkey.
Rules of Being a Freemason
Anyone who wishes to become a Freemason must have faith in God. An atheist cannot be a Freemason. To become a Freemason, one must be a man and be 21 years old. Women can never be freemasons. To be a Freemason, there must be individuals who are appreciated, educated and exemplary in the social environment. There should be no obstacle for individuals to practice their profession. Disabled individuals cannot become Freemasons. There is no economic condition to be a Freemason, but generally the freemasons consist of wealthy people.
The person who wants to be a Freemason becomes a candidate himself and a deep research is done about this person. After the researches, if the person is suitable, approval is received and the acceptance ceremony is held. The ceremony is usually held in the section of the lodges where no one can enter. In Freemasonry, where people of all religions can enter, the Qur’an, Bible and Torah are definitely present during the ceremony. A person who enters Freemasonry swears on his own religion. This is how the Freemasonry ceremony is performed all over the world. Masonic lodges in each country act independently of each other. Only the basic principle and privacy rules are interconnected.
Masons regard each other as brothers and promise each other that they will be there for each other in difficult times. The order in Freemasonry is that you will love yourself first, then your family, then your country, and then your Masonic brothers. The patriotism of those who do not love themselves and their family is doubted. It is strictly forbidden to discuss religion and politics in Masonic lodges. The aim of Freemasonry is to establish brotherhood among good, moral and virtuous people. There are 3 levels of Freemasonry: apprentice, journeyman and master. Each level up takes an average of 8 months to 1 year. A separate ceremony is held for each degree jump.
Meanings of Masonic Symbols
The most famous Masonic symbol; It is a compass and a square with the letter “g” in the middle. Compass and square are basic materials used in both mathematics and construction. However, the meaning of the letter “g” in it is not known exactly. In Freemasonry, there is the logic of thinking with symbols. Symbols do not have clear meanings, but meanings that vary personally and culturally.
The one-eye symbol in Freemasonry means God’s eye that constantly watches people. According to some, it means that the eyes of the masons are on the masons. The mallet, which is also one of the symbols, means Hiram Usta’s mallet. One of the symbols that has an important place in Masonic rituals is the sun and moon symbol. It is known that these symbols are used to disperse those who are against Freemasonry and also symbolize discipline. In the lodges, the sun is on the east and the moon is on the west.
