How did religious tolerance manifest in the Ottoman Empire?

Religious tolerance in the Ottoman Empire was manifested through the Millet system, which allowed religious autonomy for non-Muslim communities.

The Ottoman Empire, which spanned from the 14th to the early 20th century, was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious entity. It was predominantly Muslim, but it also included large Christian and Jewish communities. The Empire's approach to religious diversity was largely based on the Millet system. This system allowed non-Muslim communities, known as 'dhimmis', to govern themselves according to their own religious laws in matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Each Millet was led by a religious leader who was responsible for the community's affairs and served as a liaison with the Ottoman authorities.

The Millet system was a pragmatic solution to the challenges of governing a diverse empire. It allowed the Ottomans to maintain control while also accommodating religious diversity. The system was not perfect, and there were instances of discrimination and persecution. However, it generally provided a degree of religious freedom that was unusual for the time.

The Ottoman Empire also had a policy of relative religious tolerance towards the various Christian sects within its borders. This was in stark contrast to the religious wars and persecutions that were common in Europe during the same period. The Empire allowed the Orthodox Church to maintain its autonomy and even protected it from Catholic pressures. Similarly, the Empire tolerated the presence of Protestant missionaries, although it did not allow them to proselytise among Muslims.

In addition to the Millet system and the policy towards Christians, the Ottoman Empire also showed tolerance towards Jews. The Empire welcomed Jews who were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century, and these Sephardic Jews became a significant part of the Empire's population. The Empire allowed Jews to practice their religion freely and to establish their own communities.

In conclusion, while the Ottoman Empire was not a modern secular state and its treatment of non-Muslims was not always equal or fair, it did have a policy of relative religious tolerance. This tolerance was manifested in the Millet system, the Empire's approach to Christian sects, and its treatment of Jews.