Jewish-Muslim Relations: A Journey Through Legends, Time and Faith

Before the 20th century, Jewish history books were replete with accounts of the generosity of Muslim rulers who had granted them religious and social freedoms and saved them from the savageries of the West

- Iftikhar Gilani

FAR away from the turmoil of Israeli airstrikes in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, a heartwarming story of friendship and coexistence unfolds in the charming Jewish neighbourhood of Balat, nestled within the sprawling Turkish megapolis of Istanbul.

Here, Moses Hamon, a Jewish resident, engages in a meaningful conversation about the ongoing war and its far-reaching consequences with his Turkish Muslim neighbour, Mehmet Oktay, in the warm embrace of a cosy café.

Balat, located along the picturesque coast of the Golden Horn, an extension of the famed Bosphorus water channel that gracefully divides the historic city of Istanbul between Europe and Asia, remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Much like Jerusalem, this area has been a melting pot of diverse civilizations and a meeting place for adherents of Abrahamic religions—Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Balat’s streets are adorned with a vibrant palette of colours and embellished with fragrant flowers, creating a true paradise for visitors and a living embodiment of diversity and pluralism.

Jewish scholar Karen Gerson Şarhon reflects on the historical ties that bind the Jewish community to Türkiye. In 1492, when Jews were expelled from Spain following the Alhambra Decree issued by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I, the Ottoman Empire extended its generous hand.

Records reveal that Sultan Bayezid II not only condemned Spain’s actions but also dispatched ships to safely transport Jews to the safety of the Turkish Empire. These newcomers didn’t just seek refuge; they played an integral role in helping the Ottoman Empire establish a robust system for external trade, education, technology, and innovation.