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Documents

This section offers a collection of documents about the Sabbateans/Dönmes, providing a glimpse into the diverse perspectives society holds about this group. Through articles, interviews, and historical accounts, you can explore the complex narrative surrounding the Sabbateans and understand how they have been perceived over time.

Istanbul Wealth Tax Lists Posted This Morning

Istanbul Wealth Tax Lists Posted This Morning

Akşam, 17 December 1942

In this news report from Akşam Newspaper, the list of citizens in Istanbul affected by the Wealth Tax is ranked according to the amount of tax. The highest taxpayer was Halil Ali Bezmen, with a tax of 1,500,000

On the Anniversary of an Execution

On the Anniversary of an Execution

Cumhuriyet Magazine, 19 December 1993.

In this article written on the anniversary of Sheikh Bedreddin's execution, it is argued that instead of opposing oppression, one should struggle from within the "vice", using the Sabbatai Sevi movement as a reference.

Jews, Partners in Fate with Turks

Jews, Partners in Fate with Turks

Cumhuriyet, 1 September 1991

In this interview Prof. İlber Ortaylı discussed the history of Jews living in Turkey and explained the journey that began in Spain and how it evolved within the Ottoman geography, also touching upon the Sabbatean movement.

The Only Thing That Liberates Us Is Lies

The Only Thing That Liberates Us Is Lies

Cumhuriyet, 2 October 2014

The murder story in Andrej Nikolaidis's novel "The Apocalypse" extends all the way to Uljin, where Sabbatai Sevi reached "enlightenment."

The Broom by the Door

The Broom by the Door

Cumhuriyet, 15 January 2006

In this article about the Selimiye Mosque built by Mimar Sinan, there is also mention of Sabbatai Sevi's appearance before Sultan Mehmed IV in Edirne.

Puzzles

Puzzles

1 February 2004

In the "Leisure" section of a magazine, Sabbatai Sevi was featured in a prize-winning crossword puzzle with the clue: "A Jewish leader who lived in the 17th century and, after declaring himself the messiah, led to the formation of the sect known as the Dönmeh or Avdetis" (see: question number 8 across).

Puzzles

Puzzles

5 February 2004

In the "Leisure" section of a magazine, Sabbatai Zevi was featured in an award-winning crossword puzzle with the clue: "A Jewish leader from the 17th century who, after proclaiming himself the Messiah, led to the emergence of the sect known as the Dönmeh or Avdetis" (see: clue number 14 across).

The Encyclopedia of Judaism

The Encyclopedia of Judaism

Cumhuriyet Kitap, 3 January 2002

On page 9 of the 620th issue of the "Encyclopedia of Judaism" -to which Gila Erbeş contributed- is stated to consist of 100 main topics and 1,200 entries, with one of the entries being "Sabbateans".

Ethnic Identity and Minorities

Ethnic Identity and Minorities

Varlık Magazine, 6 April 1995

This issue of the magazine includes an article by Ilgaz Zorlu titled "Sabbateans."

Relations Were Almost Derailed

Relations Were Almost Derailed

Cumhuriyet, 8 May 2005

In the "Sunday Guest" section of the newspaper, Israeli Ambassador to Ankara, Pinhas Avivi, was interviewed. When asked, "Shall we also discuss the alleged rise of opposition in Turkey against the U.S., Judaism, and Sabbateanism? What do you think could be the reasons behind these sentiments?", he responded:

"First of all, I learned about the Sabbatean movement only after coming here. This movement dates back hundreds of years, and before arriving, I assumed it was a thing of the past. However, I discovered here that it is still a topic of discussion, which I find quite difficult to understand. Sabbatai Zevi was neither Jewish nor Muslim; he only influenced a small and local community. This has no impact on global politics.

As for anti-American sentiments, that’s a different matter. Look, the U.S. has always worked to preserve Western values, and during World War II, the West wouldn’t have survived or won the war without America. That’s why I automatically have a positive view of the U.S. I struggle to understand why some people harbor anti-American feelings."

Salkım Hanımın Taneleri

Salkım Hanımın Taneleri

26 December 1999

In an interview about Salkım Hanımın Taneleri, the film's director, Tomris Giritlioğlu, commented on the mention of Sabbateans in the context of the film:

"Of course, among the Dönmeh sent to Aşkale due to the Wealth Tax, there were Sabbateans of Thessaloniki origin. However, we changed Thessaloniki to Skopje in the film. Moreover, Etyen Mahçupyan objected to this, knowing it would be criticized, but I used my directorial authority and considered the sensitive period Turkey was going through at the time to make this change. Within the historical flow of the film, it was necessary for Halit Bey's family, who had settled in Mardin, to have originally come from Thessaloniki. This is the only valid criticism."

  A Community Sheltered in Good Education: Sabbateans

A Community Sheltered in Good Education: Sabbateans

Cumhuriyet, 30 April 2004

Sabbatai Zevi is mentioned in a section of the series and an overview of the history of the Sabbateans is provided. Additionally, a few points are briefly noted about Şemsi Efendi and the educational institutions established in the following period.

An Observation on the Knowledge Level of Some AKP Supporters

An Observation on the Knowledge Level of Some AKP Supporters

Cumhuriyet, 14 March 2008

In his Zümrütten Akisler column, Celal Şengör expressed his frustration over accusations directed at him:

"Almost all of the comments are intended as insults. Out of hundreds of comments, only four or five genuinely sought to discuss my views or agreed with me. The main accusation against me is that I am one of the people who have supposedly exploited this country for years (I’m genuinely curious about how we’ve done that).

The class I belong to is unclear: some call it secularists, others say CHP, Kemalists, Freemasons, or Sabbateans… Despite repeatedly writing that I don’t support any political party, these individuals seem unaware of it.

I also learned from these insulting messages that I am supposedly a Sabbatean(!). However, it is clear that my family has no connection to such a background. If these people consider all Rumelians to be Sabbateans, I don’t know what to say to that. As far as I know, I am a Rumelian without a single blood relative from Anatolia; the same goes for my spouse."

  Turkish-Arab Relations

Turkish-Arab Relations

Cumhuriyet, 3 July 2003

In the newspaper's book section, a 164-page book titled Turkish-Arab Relations by Zeine N. Zeine, translated by Emrah Akbaş and published by Gelenek Publications, was introduced. The content of the introduction reads:

"What do we know about the process that led the Arabs, who had no concept of nationalism in their minds until the 20th century, to rebel against the Caliphate during World War I? Esteemed Middle Eastern expert Zeine N. Zeine’s book evaluates the 400-year relationship between Arabs and Turks in the Ottoman Empire, presenting the reasons behind the formation of anti-Ottoman ideas among Arabs without attempting to justify one side. It presents this process in its entirety, including interesting details about Sabbateans, Freemasons, missionaries, the Committee of Union and Progress, and Arab nationalists, shedding light on many aspects that still resonate today. The book, a fundamental reference source on the topic, is for those with the courage to step outside the boundaries of conventional knowledge."

  Sabbatean Profiling

Sabbatean Profiling

Cumhuriyet, 8 August 2008

The content of the news, which was allegedly included in the Ergenekon case file, is as follows:

"Istanbul News Service – In the Ergenekon case file, it is claimed that there is hardly anyone left without a profiling document related to their religious belief, ethnic identity, background, or membership in associations or political parties. While members of the Turkish Armed Forces are profiled under categories such as sect or political orientation, there is a detailed list of how Sabbateans can be identified, including features such as names and types.

The file contains a document titled 'Origins of Sabbatean Names.' The document asserts that in Turkey, 'Sabbateans' and 'Jews' systematically choose their names from a total of eight types. It is claimed that the names from the Torah are selected based on their Turkish or Arabic equivalents or by sound similarity between Hebrew and Turkish. Under the heading of Jewish names and surnames from the Torah used worldwide, a long list of names is provided.

It is stated that Sabbateans are not only from Thessaloniki but also live in the U.S., Turkey, Israel, Germany, and France, and it specifies which cities in Turkey and which districts in Istanbul they can be found. The document also claims that Sabbateans are present in key positions within the Mevlevi community, with a statement such as: 'In this community, one might encounter a deceptive 'slanted' eye appearance, which would suggest migration from Central Asia.'

It is further mentioned that there are Sabbateans who took names such as Yavuz, Cengiz, Atilla, and Timur, as well as those with surnames like Ergene, Ergeneman, Ergenetürk, Ergenekon, Ergenekan, and Ergenemen.

The document even goes so far as to examine surnames and place and color names in detail. At the end of the document, a 'Sabbatean' profiling text is included. Many politicians, businessmen, artists, journalists, writers, academics, celebrities, and senior military officers are accused of hiding their Sabbatean identities, though it is emphasized that the list is not a 'blacklist.' Finally, under the heading 'Examples of individuals who are likely to be Sabbateans, bearing typical Sabbatean names,' numerous names are listed, with the lists being accompanied by photographs."

  The List of the Well-Intentioned

The List of the Well-Intentioned

In the Günlerin Peşinden column written by Hasan Kumçayı, it is mentioned that taxpayers who were unable to fully pay their Wealth Tax debts were placed on the List of the Well-Intentioned.

Seizures and Sales Begin Today

Seizures and Sales Begin Today

1/2

A news report stating that 60 taxpayers who were unable to pay their Wealth Tax debts were sent to labor camps. The continuation of the story is in the next report.

Seizures and Sales Begin Today

Seizures and Sales Begin Today

2/2

This is the continuation of the previous news report, which mentions that 60 taxpayers who couldn't pay their Wealth Tax debts were sent to labor camps.

  Eygi’s Delusions

Eygi’s Delusions

Cumhuriyet, 11 June 2009

In his Dünyada Bugün column, Ali Sirmen refers to previous statements by Mehmet Şevket Eygi, saying:

"After mentioning that the obligation of daily prayers at Galatasaray was abolished in 1909, but the mosque remained until 1924 when it was closed, Eygi immediately declares:

Those who want to turn our country into a Jewish colony, the Avdeti, have corrupted Galatasaray and made it contrary to its founding purpose".

The First Results of the Wealth Tax

The First Results of the Wealth Tax

Tan, 18 January 1942

In a news article written by Zekeriya Sertel, the positive outcomes of the Wealth Tax are anticipated.

  Wealth Tax

Wealth Tax

Tasviri Efkar, 18 January 1942

This news report about the Wealth Tax mentions that lists of taxpayers were publicly announced throughout the province.

The City of the Ottoman and the Republic: Thessaloniki

The City of the Ottoman and the Republic: Thessaloniki

Cumhuriyet, 25 May 2017

In the newspaper's book section, an interview about Turan Akıncı's book Osmanlı’da Selanik: 1869-1924 (Thessaloniki in the Ottoman Empire: 1869-1924) is featured.

Şişli Terakki was a Charity Organization

Şişli Terakki was a Charity Organization

Hayat

In this section, which introduces the historical high schools of Istanbul, Mübeccel İzmirli dedicates three pages to Şişli Terakki Schools. The content covers the history of the school, key figures involved in its establishment and continued operation, and its current status.

  Faith and Money

Faith and Money

1965

In this column written by Bülent Ecevit, he discusses the establishment of a textile factory and social justice. In the content, he also mentions the recently deceased businessman Nazım Bezmen, praising him as an honest businessman for paying his taxes on time and in full.

November 1923 in Tuzla

November 1923 in Tuzla

Yenigün, 20 December 2019

In this section written by İskender Özsoy, the focus is on the exchange protocol of the Lausanne Treaty dated January 30, 1923, and the compulsory migration of those who would leave both countries as a result of it.

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