Gentry in Sharifistan
The gentry is defined in the law of Sharifistan as "those who have the right to a coat of arms." Male members of the gentry have the title Çelebi whilst female members of the gentry have the title Khanum. It usually refers to the group immediately below the nobility.
Types of gentry
In Sharifistani law the gentry are categorised in three main groups:
1. The nobility (those with titles ennobling them such as Emirs, Effendis and usually also their children as well as Muftis, Judges and Doctors of Medicine)
2. Those with recognised university degrees, those who have retired on a pension in the military or reached the rank of Çavuş (Sergeant) or above and the children of these groups (unless they lose the right to membership of the gentry)
3. Democratically elected members of The Majilis ash-Shura.
Traditions
The Sharifistani gentry have many cultural expectations on them including:
Exemplary military service and protectiveness of women (for men)
virginity before marriage and monogamy when married (for women)
piety, generosity, intense academic study in religion (usually with a special attention given to Islam) and philosophy, physical exercise and learning the art of self-defence (for both genders).
Notable families