Muslim and Non-Muslim Relations in the Ottoman Cyprus (17th and 18th century)

Abstract The island of Cyprus, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, has existed with the different ethnic and religious elements it hosts. During the Ottoman sovereignty between 1571 and 1878, Muslims and non-Muslims, who formed the majority in the island, lived together for nearly 300 years. They contacted with each other in many different areas, especially in trade, in the natural course of daily life. In the Ottoman period, although the non-Muslims have certain legal autonomy, the shar'i courts became the only place of application for the settlement of legal issues between Muslims and Non-Muslims. The qadi records of these courts were kept with care during the Ottoman period, and today they constitute the richest and most reliable sources of Muslim and non-Muslim relations that have taken place in the history. From this point of view, in the study, the Muslim-non-Muslim relations, which were reflected in the 17th and 18th-century Cyprus qadi records, were examined under the legal framework regarding the individuals, families, heritage, goods, and debts. Yet, the vast majority of the relationships that have occurred between the two societies had been in these areas. In the research, it has been revealed that the Muslim and non-Muslim relations in Ottoman Cyprus are generally more intense than the relations in Anatolia for the same period. In addition, it was also observed that the relations between the two societies were considerably strong and positive. Summary Cyprus which lost its social peace and serenity since having left the administration of Ottoman is still a region in ceasefire, where a permanent peace could not be established between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Therefore, putting forward the relations of Muslims and non-Muslims from Cyprus during Ottoman Period will provide an insight on what are necessary to live in peace through their historical experience, also it will contribute to eliminate the accusation and slander against Ottoman and Muslim or non-Muslim people of the island. The island of Cyprus, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, has existed with the different ethnic and religious elements it hosts. During the Ottoman sovereignty between 1571 and 1878, Muslims and non-Muslims, who formed the majority in the island, lived together for nearly 300 years. They contacted with each other in many different areas, especially in trade, in the natural course of daily life. In the Ottoman period, although the non-Muslims have certain legal autonomy, the sharia courts became the only place of