The Complexity of Ottoman Tolerance

This chapter examines the Ottoman Empire under Suleiman the Magnificent, emphasizing its role as a center of tolerance and intellectualism amidst conquest and drama. It highlights the empire’s welcoming attitude towards Jewish refugees and the contributions of diverse groups to its society, while also addressing the darker aspects of its history such as slavery and the Devshirme system. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the conditional nature of tolerance within the empire and contrasts it with the religious persecutions occurring in contemporary Europe.