60 likes | 175 Views
The Ottoman Empire. Toleration. Tolerance vs. Toleration. Tolerance as an idea, toleration as a policy Toleration “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?.
E N D
The Ottoman Empire Toleration
Tolerance vs. Toleration • Tolerance as an idea, toleration as a policy • Toleration “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?
Early Period • 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.
Muslim Identity • “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 laws • Devşirme • Shi’a
Compromise • “… ready pragmatism in dealing with subjugated people” • Letter of the law not always followed: church construction • Evasion
European Intervention • 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 subjects • Apostasy • Protectorates • Tanzimat