[1] A parallel form can be found in Persian, pronounced as sūkhte, meaning "in flames" or "to set on fire", i.e. consumed by the love of God or learning.
[2][3] Starting with Mehmed II, Ottoman sultans established these centers of education to develop a qualified group of individuals that would constitute a strong bureaucracy and fill administrative roles.
Though they lacked military power, the ulama were able to sway the masses into supporting certain campaigns, influence the actions and rulings of the sultan and be representatives of the population before the state.
[4] In fact, those with hierarchical connections were often less trained and educated in religious studies than the softas, and did not need to complete the madrasa system to be elected to a high post.
[6] Due to the softas’ frustration with the hierarchical structure of the ulama class as well as their disapproval of the religious operations of the empire, many joined to form an unruly mob that roamed the capital.
Shortly thereafter, though, the influence of this mob as a force of political disturbance diminished, as the madrasa system was replaced by the development and expansion of modern schools.