The public response to the mektebe-usul-jedid initiative was extremely negative. Ayvazov's "mektebe-usul-jedid" movement was opposed not only by the local Islamic clergy, but also the local elite and other Crimean Tatars. In 1904, he received an anonymous letter, which said, "Atheist! If you wish to die a natural death, then end the school. If you wish to be slain like a dog, continue your teaching."
