Competition Among Christian Denominations in Jerusalem During the 17th Century According to the Ottoman Documents

Abstract

This article addresses the complexities of Christian relations in Jerusalem during the 17th century, the outcomes of this conflict, and the measures taken by the Ottoman state to curb this chronic phenomenon that created a dilemma for all people. The article also aims to reveal the interventions carried out by European countries that considered Jerusalem their main entry to the Holy Land, given the divisions among those states and the impact each had on their denominations in Jerusalem. The increasing sectarian tension was, in part, exacerbated by those states themselves, under the pretext of protecting their interests represented each by their own parishioners. The significance of this article stems from lack of standalone studies addressing this topic during the 17th century.The analysis was conducted by referring to archival sources, primarily the records of the Ottoman Sharia court in Jerusalem, which is the primary source containing details and precursors besides other  Ottoman archives. The said documents were analyzed using a historical research methodology with an analytical and deconstructive approach. It is hoped that this article will contribute in pinpointing topics  of contention that emerged in Jerusalem among the Christian denominations during the 17th century, while revealing the consequences thereof, and documenting the setbacks those denominations in particular and Jerusalem in general have suffered from.  It is also an attempt to explore the impact of European countries on this issue and subsequent repercussions.In light of the objectives set in this article, the outcomes align with these objectives, suggesting that Christianity has existed in Jerusalem throughout history without interruption, and that the different denominations were in continuous competition—a competition that never subsided. The pillars of this competition are attributed to religious differences given the diversity of Christian denominations and relevant ethnic affiliations. The vigor of this conflict is attributed to the influence of some European countries, on one hand, and the Ottomans’ position vis-à-vis this issue, on the other hand.