Jews of the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire spanned close to 500 years, spread over three continents. A distinct Jewish life flourished under the Ottomans in commerce, the press, arts and culture. We will examine the heyday and the decline of Jews in the Balkans (what became Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria) from the 15th century to the present. Topics will include Salonika ("the Jerusalem of the Balkans"), the relationship with the Sultans, Ladino, Sephardic customs and culture, and Zionist efforts. With Brigitte Sion, PhD, who teaches religious studies at NYU and specializes in issues of memory, memorial architecture and heritage tourism. She is a descendant of the Nahmias family, makers of the famous anise liquor "Ouzo," which, according to a Salonika legend, was Atatur