Ottoman–Jewish Relations in the Sixteenth Century: Legal Status, Economic Integration, and Court Influence

Abstract

This article examines the multifaceted relationship regarding the interaction of the Ottoman state with its Jewish subjects during  the sixteenth century, a period marked by both imperial expansion and the consolidation of communal structures. Drawing upon Ottoman archival records, contemporary chronicles, and European travel accounts, the article examines how Jews were positioned in terms of legal rights and obligations within the Ottoman millet system, their economic integration into imperial markets, and their growing influence in courtly and diplomatic affairs. The article highlights how the Ottoman policy of pragmatic pluralism facilitated Jewish settlement, especially following the Iberian expulsions, and ensured legal protections alongside communal autonomy in religious, educational, and juridical matters. Particular attention is given to the roles of Jewish financiers, physicians, and diplomats who operated at the highest levels of the imperial court, as well as to the emergence of influential figures such as Joseph Nasi and the Kira women. By situating Jewish–Ottoman relations within the broader Mediterranean context, the article reveals the dynamic interplay between imperial interests, minority agency, and cross-cultural exchange. The findings contribute to ongoing debates on tolerance, their incorporation and the strategic role minority groups played in the politics of early modern empires.