THE PERCEPTION OF JERUSALEM IN THE OTTOMAN CHRONICLES

Jerusalem, the holy center for three monotheistic religions, has been ruled by many states and nations throughout history. this importance which was given by earlier islamic states also continued during ottoman times. in this context, this study examines how jerusalem was perceived by ottoman chronicles. the perception of jerusalem in the ottoman chronicles is different before and after the conquest. it is explained materially and spiritually relationship of jerusalem and hagia sophia in early ottoman chronicles. the chronicles point out the title of ottoman sultans who sovereign and servant while explaining this relationship. they have described strongly services of ottoman sultans for jerusalem which was ruled in accordance with eastern politics. the religious importance of jerusalem effects on appointments and classes of judges/qadis who adjudge in the city. as can be seen in this study, bedouins were the important fraction in jerusalem and its neighbours. the judges was struggling with bedouins to protect both muslim and non-muslims. furthermore, ottomans was intervening in internal affairs and religion disputes of christians. finally, jerusalem which is focus of eastern question has been center of religion and politic conflicts due to the decline of ottoman empire.