On 11 May 2013, the Grand Lodge of Turkey granted a conditional right to visit to Freemasons belonging to regular Grand Lodges which are not necessarily recognized.
Brother of My Brother – The Right to Visit, Revisited [1]
M. Remzi Sanver
Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Turkey
The condition requires the Grand Lodge of the visiting brother to be recognized by at least one Grand Lodge, which in turn is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Turkey.
The visit also requires the final approval of the Grand Master but, after all, with this decision, the Grand Lodge of Turkey officially accepts that ‘the brother of a brother is a brother’ and as such, he could be given the right to visit Turkish lodges.
This acceptance breaks the traditional equivalence between the right to visit and recognition by expanding the sphere of brethren who can visit Turkish lodges from recognized constitutions to regular ones.
At this point, it may be useful to recall that the regularity of a Grand Lodge is the fulfilment of a well-defined set of principles aiming to preserve the traditional values of Freemasonry, thus being an objective concept.
On the other hand, recognition is a subjective privilege that two Grand Lodges may or may not grant to each other. During the last couple of decades, the world panorama of Freemasonry has exhibited an ever-growing disparity between regularity and recognition.
While regularity is necessary for recognition, decisions regarding recognition typically involve additional subjective criteria, which mostly contain political elements of a Masonic, or even non-Masonic, nature.
As a result, regular Grand Lodges who are not in mutual recognition abound.
It is, in fact, this observation that motivated the said decision of the Grand Lodge of Turkey.
The traditional equivalence between the right to visit and recognition, is the product of a world in which decisions of recognition are based solely on regularity, hence the gap between recognition and regularity is non-existent.
In such a world, setting the right to visit equivalent to recognition unites all regular brothers while successfully dissociating them from understandings of Freemasonry that are not compatible with the principles of regularity.
On the other hand, setting the right to visit equivalent to recognition in a world where there is a severe gap between recognition and regularity has the ill effect of imposing barriers among regular brothers.
Moreover, when the gap between recognition and regularity is somehow ‘political’, a dissociation based on ‘politics’ is implied which, let alone having anything to do with regularity, is orthogonal to the core values of regular Freemasonry.
The decision of the Grand Lodge of Turkey breaks the traditional equivalence between recognition and the right to visit, while making the right to visit almost [2] equivalent to regularity. The decision is a step towards removing the barriers between regular brethren and towards contributing to their mobility, while preserving the dissociation of regular Freemasonry from other non-traditional approaches to the Craft.
A major practice of the ‘brother of my brother’ policy can occur when multiple regular Grand Lodges who are not in amity exist over the same territory.
Italy (with the Grand Orient of Italy and the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy) and Greece (with the Grand Lodge of Greece and the National Grand Lodge of Greece) are two well-known cases in Europe.
In South America, Brazil presents a case where there are territorial overlaps among regular Grand Lodges, and in the USA, the historical conflict with Prince Hall Grand Lodge still prevails in certain states.
When there is a territorial conflict, the rule is to recognize only one of the many. With the ‘brother of my brother’ policy, a grand lodge can keep its lodges open to all regular brethren of that territory, without violating the rule. [3]
The ‘brother of my brother’ policy draws not only a position closer to the values of Masonic brotherhood, but also an acceptance of the reality of the world today.
After all, Turkish brethren can already share ritual meetings with the ‘non-recognized’ brethren covered by this policy.
This typically occurs under a third Grand Lodge, which recognizes both the Grand Lodge of Turkey and the Grand Lodge of the ‘non-recognized’ brother.
Moreover, due to the possibility of membership to more than one Grand Lodge, there are instances in which the ‘non-recognized’ brother could visit Turkish lodges with the apron of his other Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Turkey.
For example, in Greece, the Grand Lodge of Turkey recognizes the Grand Lodge of Greece (hence not the National Grand Lodge of Greece) but a Turkish brother could attend the meeting of a lodge under the Grand Lodge of Ireland (which recognizes the National Grand Lodge of Greece) where he would enjoy the company of his brother who is a member of the National Grand Lodge of Greece.
Furthermore, if this Greek brother is also a member of the Irish constitution, he could also visit Turkish lodges in this capacity. [4]
Yet, despite such realities, without the ‘brother of my brother’ policy, the official discourse would state that Turkish brethren cannot share ritual meetings with the brethren of the National Grand Lodge of Greece.
Thus, the ‘brother of my brother’ policy of the Grand Lodge of Turkey not only contributes to the association of all regular Freemasons but also maintains sincerity, one of the core values of Freemasonry, and relieves official discourse from the burden of being in contradiction with reality.
Foot Notes
Reference Sources
[1] The paper benefited from the comments of John Belton, Cevad Gürer, Erol Mark Houssein, Efe İnan, Selim Örs, Ahmet Şenkut, Emre Üge, and Okan Yunusoğlu. Of course, it is the author who is responsible from all possible mistakes.
[2] The qualification ‘almost’ is needed, as Turkish Lodges are open to regular Freemasons subject to the fulfilment of certain additional conditions. However, the qualification ‘almost’ also seems to be appropriate, as these additional conditions are far weaker than recognition.
[3] To be sure, one can question this rule of recognizing in one territory only one of the multiple regular grand lodges who are not in amity. Nevertheless, the decision of the Grand Lodge of Turkey was taken under the prevalence of this rule.
[4] To prevent such instances from occurring, drastic measures would be required, such as not allowing Turkish brethren to visit a recognized jurisdiction when a visitor belonging to a non-recognized jurisdiction is present, and asking visitors to Turkish lodges to detail all Masonic affiliations they do have. Such measures not only make no sense, but also cannot be enforced.
Article by: M. Remzi Sanver
He was transferred to Ülkü Lodge in Istanbul in 1991, served in various positions in his lodge and served as a Master of Honor in 2003-2005. He served as the Secretary General in 2007-2009, and as a Grand Master Grand Lodge of Turkey in 2010-2013.
He completed his doctorate in the Economics Department of the same university. He has been working on the application of mathematics to social sciences, and has been Professor since 2006. He speaks English, French and Spanish. He was the Rector of Istanbul Bilgi University between 2011-2015. He is currently a research professor at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France.
Recent Articles: membership
 Quantity vs Quality within the world of Freemasonry Dive into the compelling debate of quantity vs quality within the world of Freemasonry. Discover the transformative focus on attracting members aligned with the institution's values, promising not only growth but quality growth. High-value individuals assure sustainable development with their commitment to serving the brotherhood. |
 Maybe Freemasonry has opened its doors too wide. Perhaps some have not understood that the survival of Freemasonry in order to achieve its sublime purpose lies not in the number of members it has, but in their quality. Maybe we need less members and more Freemasons. Less men in Freemasonry and more Freemasonry in men. |
 What is ritual and why is it important? P1 Delve into the profound world of Freemasonry rituals and their significance. This insightful piece unravels the underlying importance of rituals, their impact on participants, and the transformative power they hold. Uncover why these centuries-old traditions remain integral to Masonic practice today. |
 Could Freemasonry be helpful for young men? Unravel the Masonic Brotherhood: Could Freemasonry be the antidote to modernity's challenges for young men? Dive in as we explore the Masonic world, its principles, camaraderie, and how its traditional rituals could help forge stronger identities in an increasingly complex world. |
 Discover the remarkable benefits of Lodge Meetings on your well-being. From fostering connections to combating stress, learn how these male-oriented gatherings offer an antidote to anger, hunger, isolation, and exhaustion. Dive into the power of shared experiences, understanding, and camaraderie. Your key to improved mental health awaits inside. |
 Tutorial for a Worshipful Master Unlock the Secrets to Leadership Mastery in our Worshipful Master's Tutorial! Brother Antonio Biella shares step-by-step guidance for Masonic Lodge leaders on honing their roles, duties, and future vision. Discover how to drive growth and engagement in your Lodge, setting ambitious goals and inspiring member participation. |
 Freemasonry for University Students What are social skillset challenges facing students when they graduate from university ? |
 How the Core Values of Freemasonry; Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth Can Be Applied to Improve Productivity For Entrepreneurs |
 Why I became a Freemason: a personal journey of self-improvement Salik Tariq shares his reasons for becoming a Freemason – a journey of self-improvement, finding a community, and personal growth. |
 Freemasonry: Coming out of the Cloisters This paper examines the fundamental tensions on the lines of religion, gender and political ideology that exist in some jurisdictions of Freemasonry. It is on the first of these, religion, on which he makes an initial and exploratory focus. - by Gerald Reilly |
 The Relevance of Freemasonry in Contemporary Society The role of Freemasonry in contemporary society is an indispensable one. Despite the challenges and misconceptions it faces, the organization remains steadfast in its humanitarian pursuits and commitment to personal growth and self-betterment. Through its efforts to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members and the world, Freemasonry continues to be a vital force in shaping a better future for all. |
 Has Freemasonry managed to revive and thrive after the darkness of the Pandemic? Robert Lomas gives us some (promising) insights. |
 21st Century Freemasonry – a Sign of the Times? A recent article in The Times of London highlighted the dilemma 21st Freemasonry is facing. In this article one Master Mason shares his views of the strengths, and the challenges of modern Masonry. |
 A concept that is both based on our Freemasonic rituals and what we understand as teamwork. This article by Chris Batty examines why teamwork in the lodge is the network that binds us. |
 Lebanese Freemasonry has been both witness to and sometimes participants in turbulent events and forces, which shaped and influenced their world. |
 Is a Masonic Tradition Necessary? Dealing with Masonic tradition is a complex subject that requires careful analysis in order to reach a balanced point on the best etymological definition and the set of discourses and practices, which often end up being presented as such, without, however, presenting bases that support them, often serving only as a discourse that restricts and controls the masses. Fernando Rodrigues de Souza debates this complex subject. |
 New Year's Resolution with Benjamin Franklin's Personal Improvement Are you ready for a new year's resolution challenge ? To accomplish his life’s goals, at 25 ( around 290 years ago ), Benjamin Franklin developed and committed himself to a personal improvement program that consisted of 13 virtues. You are invited to join me in practicing his daily routine for 2023. |
 The Alberta Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund is to help the next generation of Albertans, our children and grandchildren, to obtain the education they need to lead successful lives and contribute to the welfare of mankind. As you can see from this little lesson of our history, education is truly a Masonic obligation. |
 To be a Better Citizen of the World: Step 4 A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world. |
 To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 3 A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world. |
 In connection with recent article about Freemasonry in the metaverse, we look at how an Egregore applies to Freemasonry in a digital world |
 To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 2 A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world. |
 There are many brotherhoods in the world, and Freemasonry is one of the most significant and successful of them all. This article will be the focus two questions: the importance of brotherhood ? and is there room for improvement in Freemasonry? |
 Intergenerational relations in Masonry: challenges and possibilities Backed with scientific research, Professor Luiz Neto and Professor Alexandre Braune investigate the Intergenerational relations in Freemasonry and explores the challenges and opportunities. |
 To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 1 A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world. |
 The Masonic Temple is a platform where both Freemasons and non-Masons, enthusiasts of real art and spiritual growth, connect to the new world of the metaverse. A Freemasonry in the metaverse project, based regular freemasonry principles. |
 Opportunity to fix the Sussex fudge Is there a value proposition for members, that under English Constitution Freemasonry, we have a 4 part offering; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft , Master Mason and Companion, conducted in a single craft lodge ? |
 Value Proposition of Freemasonry In addressing declining lodge membership and lack of attendance, we need to assess the value it offers to members. What is value, and what does it mean to you? |
 What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers. |
 Let us help answer a fundamental question, from a confused newly raised brother asking “What does it all mean and where do I go from here?” |
 Written in 1930, much of the advice is still relevant today - although some may provoke further thought or debate! |
 Product Life Cycle of Freemasonry An inconvenient truth about the product life cycle of Freemasonry |
 Freemasonry is local. This is where we need to start. We start with our Facebook friends, our neighbours, our colleagues, our lodges… |
 Freemasonry in the time of pandemic The Rule of Six. Localised lockdowns. Second wave? What do we do now?! The answer is simple - engage with members, promote Masonic education and get thinking outside the lodge. |
 The current functioning of the Masonic movement has some positive aspects and others that are blatantly backward and counterproductive. |
 What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers. |
 How to improve your Lodge Membership Marketing Program. |
 The Anti-Social Impact of Social Media The 'dark side' of social media and its negative effect on our mental health |
 If Freemasonry cannot meet, is this an opportunity to make a change to how we do things? |
 Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? Third in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet |
 Is the brother of a brother a brother ? Rights to visit - recognition and regularity re-evaluated. |
 The second article in the Unknown Candidate series - Outlining the social media marketing process to attract the unknown candidate to make that first enquiry |
 Ask a random Freemason the purpose of Freemasonry and the likely response will be to “make good men, better”. Research undertaken by James Justin Davis Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge. |
 Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? First in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet |
 Mental Health - Raising its awareness and how we as Freemasons throughout the entire UK can help our fellow brethren and their families when they need it. |
 Share one thought why freemasonry is relevant today - Open question posted on Facebook with a very wide range of responses from Brethren across the globe |
 The Tipping Point of Freemasonry Why do brothers lose interest in Freemasonry and what can we do to get that spark back? At what moment did our own thoughts begin to waver? |
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
Masonic Apparel
made to order
