The Jewish communities in the making of Istanbul intra muros : 1453-1520

Abstract

After the conquest of Constantinople, Mehmed II pursued policies of creating an economically flourished city. One of the results of these policies was the establishment of the waqfs of Ayasofya and Fatih complex. Many of the immovable properties in Istanbul were allocated to these waqfs. These properties were listed in the cibayet registers of Ayasofya and waqf registers of Fatih. In this thesis, the Jews of Istanbul is studied through the waqf registers of Fatih complex (1472 and without date) and cibayet registers of Ayasofya (1489 and 1519). The emphasis is on the Jewish population, their places of settlement, and their properties. Furthermore, naming process of quarters, changing hands of Jewish properties, arrival of Sephardic Jews in Istanbul are analyzed.