A Study on the Visibility of Jews in Ottoman Courts: The Example of Hasköy Court (1612–1643)

Abstract

This study examines the commercial, social and legal relations of Jews in the Ottoman Empire through the records of Hasköy Court Registry No. 5. Ottoman court registers are significant sources that provide valuable information in many areas such as social life, family life, economic activities and law in the Ottoman Empire. They can be used effectively in studies on the Jewish community. Contrary to common sense, Jews frequently applied to the Ottoman courts not only in their cases with other communities but also in cases involving various issues among themselves. These applications also show that Jews did not keep themselves self-enclosed and interacted with the involved society. © 2024 Centro Interdisciplinar de Historia Culturas e Sociedades da Universidade de Evora (CIDEHUS). All rights reserved.