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?

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.

“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

“… ready pragmatism in dealing with subjugated people” Letter of the law not always followed: church construction Evasion

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