Toleration

The Ottoman Empire

Tolerance as an idea, toleration as a policyToleration “is better understood as the

accommodation of dissent in societies organized around the ideal of religious unity.” (Parker)

Where is the Ottoman Empire on this scale?

Tolerance vs. Toleration

Ottomans fused Islamic and Turkic traditions into a unique take on Islam.

The Islamic Caliphates had ruled over diverse populations, and the Ottomans inherited these populations.

Christian generals served along the ghazis in the early campaigns.

Early Period

“Public commitment to Sunni orthodoxy…” (Parker)

Jizya tax assessed on non-Muslim subjects. Religious as opposed to temporal tax.Often paid as a group: ta’ifa and millets

Non-Muslims could not testify against Muslims in courts.

Sartorial lawsDevşirmeShi’a

Muslim Identity

“… ready pragmatism in dealing with subjugated people”

Letter of the law not always followed: church construction

Evasion

Compromise

String of reverses reduced Ottoman holdings in Europe

As Muslims constituted a greater share of the population, the Ottomans began embracing the caliphate

At the same time, European strength limited actions against non-Muslim subjectsApostasyProtectoratesTanzimat

European Intervention