The Spiritual Architects of Erzurum (Erzurum’un Manevî Mimarları) is an analytical work authored by M. Sıtkı Aras. Published by Dergâh Yayınları as part of its "Erzurum Library" series, it examines the cultural and spiritual heritage of the city of Erzurum through the prominent figures who have endowed it with its identity. The book aims to reveal, through these spiritual architects, how Erzurum, known as the "Belde-i Tayyibe" (The Good City), has maintained cultural continuity and resilience in the face of pressures from globalization and shifts in values. The work was first published in February 1996, consists of 296 pages, and reached its 4th edition as of March 2019.

Content and Thematic Structure

The book, in the words of its author M. Sıtkı Aras, aims to convey the historical and cultural significance of Erzurum—which he describes as the "Belde-i Tayyibe" (The Good City) and a four-gated city looking upon the world from an altitude of 1950 meters—and the connections this significance has established with its people. The work addresses Erzurum's efforts to preserve its traditional identity, particularly in a period when local orders and cultural structures have undergone change and customs, traditions, and values have been subjected to transformation.

The book approaches Erzurum not merely as a geographical location but as a city with a deep-rooted historical past and a spiritual identity. The concept of "Spiritual Architects" refers to figures such as religious scholars, mystics (Sufis), poets, thinkers, and respected community opinion leaders who have shaped the city's cultural and moral fabric. The historical and cultural continuity of the city is exemplified through the life stories, ideas, works, and influence of these individuals on Erzurum.

The work describes how Erzurum's spiritual and cultural structure has shown resilience against the changes in values brought about by modernization and globalization. M. Sıtkı Aras addresses this process within the framework of the guidance and contributions of these spiritual architects, emphasizing that the values stemming from Erzurum's deep-rooted past can also serve a guiding function in the present. The book seeks to evaluate the city's history, traditions, social structure, and faith-based identity through the lens of these aforementioned figures. It carries an implicit message regarding the need to preserve local values and identity against the homogenization created by globalization.

Language and Style

The language and style in M. Sıtkı Aras's “Erzurum’un Manevî Mimarları” combine academic rigor with a focus on local context. The author presents the spiritual and cultural richness of Erzurum with an objective and descriptive approach, while also taking into account the connection established with the city and the aforementioned figures. The texts do not contain any laudatory or promotional language; the subjects are addressed based on documents and historical continuity. The style is clear and fluid enough to appeal to both academic circles and the general reader. The work offers content that can serve as a resource for studies aimed at understanding the collective memory of Erzurum.