Co-existence and conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims in the 16th century Ottoman Istanbul
Author
Çolak, Hasan
Advisor
Kermeli, Eugenia
Date
2008Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
The attempt of the Ottoman administration to confiscate the Orthodox
churches in Istanbul in the 16th century is frequently cited in current
historiography. However, transformation of this incident into differing versions
throughout centuries prevented many historians from analyzing the issue in detail.
For this reason this study attempts to analyze the development of the story, first.
The most important aspect of the issue blurring the mind of many historians is the
reason behind the decision of the Ottoman administration to confiscate the
churches. The reason should be looked for not in the attitude of the sultans
towards Christians but in the evolution of the city from its Byzantine period
onwards. As a result of the population explosion in the 16th century, Muslim and
non-Muslim neighborhoods intersected, and this created a painful course, which
iv
turned co-existence into a painful process.
Keywords
Ottoman EmpireChristians
Patriarchate
Historia Patriarchica
fetva
conquest of Constantinople
coexistence
conflict