Christianity in the Ottoman Empire

Under the Ottoman Empire, Christians and Jews were, in principle tolerated, but polytheists were not, in accordance with Sharia law. In practice, the degree of tolerance varied by time and place. Orthodox Christians were the largest non-Muslim group. With the rise of Imperial Russia, they came to have an external advocate. Forced conversion of non-Muslims is counter to Sharia law, and with few exceptions was not practiced.

Christianity in the Ottoman Empire

Under the Ottoman Empire, Christians and Jews were, in principle tolerated, but polytheists were not, in accordance with Sharia law. In practice, the degree of tolerance varied by time and place. Orthodox Christians were the largest non-Muslim group. With the rise of Imperial Russia, they came to have an external advocate. Forced conversion of non-Muslims is counter to Sharia law, and with few exceptions was not practiced.