THE STRUGGLE OF THE CHRISTIAN SECTOR AND STATES ON THE HOLY PLACES IN JERUSALEM IN THE PERIOD OF ABDULHAMIT II

Abstract

Although the Ottoman Empire was an Islamic state, many non-Muslims lived within its borders. The Ottomans chose to rule by freeing non-Muslims in their internal affairs. The state did not interfere with their beliefs or lifestyles. However, problems arose from time to time among non-Muslims. One of the most important of these problems was the problem of holy places. The problem was who would have control over the religious buildings in Jerusalem, which are considered sacred by all three religions. In particular, the Christian state and sects struggled to establish control over the holy places in Jerusalem. This struggle between Catholics, Orthodox, and Armenians intensified during the reign of Abdulhamit II. In addition to non-Muslim Ottoman citizens, great states also participated in this struggle. France and Russia were the states most concerned with the question of holy places. The Ottoman Empire tried to take a neutral stance on the issue of holy places. In addition, the Ottomans tried to reduce tensions as much as possible.