The Ottoman Sultan Who Saved 150,000 Jews
The Ottoman Empire, under the rule of Sultan Bayezid II, is often credited with saving a significant number of Jews, particularly during the Spanish Inquisition. In the late 15th century, after the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, Bayezid II welcomed Jewish refugees to the Ottoman Empire. His actions serve as a humanitarian gesture that significantly contributed to the preservation of Jewish communities during a period of great persecution in Europe.
Bayezid II and the Alhambra Decree
His decision was particularly timely, coinciding with the signing of the Alhambra Decree by Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II of Spain on March 31, 1492. The decree ordered Jews to leave Spain within four months. This decision greatly affected the Jewish population, leading to a mass exodus.
Interestingly, the date of the decree coincided with Tisha BeAv, a significant mourning day in Judaism marking the fall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This coincidence adds an additional layer of historical significance to the events that followed.
Bayezid II's Naval Expedition
To assist the fleeing Jews, Bayezid II sent naval expeditions to Spain, led by notable commanders such as Kemal Reis. These galleys played a crucial role in ensuring the safe migration of thousands of Jews to Ottoman lands. Thirteen months after the Alhambra Decree, around 150,000 Jews had made their way to the Ottoman Empire, providing a lifeline for many.
Of the 300,000 Jews who were scattered globally at the time, these 150,000 were among the fortunate ones. Many who sought refuge in Portugal faced further persecution, and those who went to North Africa encountered harsh conditions and wild animals. The journey to the Ottoman lands, though challenging, marked a significant turning point for these Jewish communities.
Settlement and Citizenship
Upon arrival in Ottoman lands, Bayezid II provided Jewish refugees with protection and offered them the right to settle freely. He ordered regional governors to approach Jewish immigrants with tolerance and warned of harsh penalties for any form of ill-treatment or refusal. This proactive stance on immigration set a precedent for acceptance and integration.
Jewish immigrants contributed immensely to Ottoman society. They brought with them their unique culture and knowledge, making significant contributions in areas such as medicine, firearms, and printing technology. Many of these Jewish immigrants eventually settled in major cities such as Istanbul, Edirne, Thessaloniki, ?zmir, Manisa, Bursa, Gallipoli, Amasya, Patros, Corfu, Larissa, and Monastir, among others.
Historical Context and Philosophy of Tolerance
Bayezid II's acceptance of Jewish refugees was not based on religious or personal qualities but on the principle that all humans should be treated with compassion and dignity. This decision reflected a broader philosophy that emphasized cultural and civilizational values over narrow religious or ethnic particularities.
The Ottoman Empire's tolerance extended far beyond the context of the Spanish Inquisition. During the reign of Murat II, Jews fleeing persecution in France, Hungary, Poland, and Bavaria found refuge in the Ottoman State. As long as the empire remained strong, it continued to be a sanctuary for those in need.
This history is particularly relevant today, as Turkey again hosts over 4 million refugees from Syria, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the Ottoman Empire's approach to immigration and integration.