The Romans clearly understood the advantage of welcoming foreigners into their state. They created a law called jus civitatis, which means the right of citizenship. Through this right, foreigners could become full members of Roman society.
Those who received citizenship could legally own property and land. They could inherit estates and enjoy the same privileges as people born inside the city of Rome. Sometimes entire families were granted this right together.
By doing this, the Romans strengthened their empire. The English philosopher Francis Bacon once said that the Romans did not simply spread themselves over the world; rather, they spread the world itself. In other words, they made many different peoples part of their own nation Istanbul Old City Tours.
In England, this process is called naturalization. In France, it is called enfranchisement. Though the names are different, the idea is the same: foreigners are accepted and given full rights.
The Ottoman Way of Acceptance
The Turks also welcomed outsiders, but they joined this acceptance with religion. To become fully part of Ottoman society, a person had to become a believer in Islam. Conversion was not only a political act but also a religious one.
This made the offer more powerful. The convert was promised not only material benefits in this world, such as protection, opportunity, and social advancement, but also spiritual rewards in the life to come. These promises made conversion very attractive to many.
Among Muslims, it was considered a good and meritorious deed to bring new believers into the faith. Because of this belief, many people sought to convert others. A man who had enough money would sometimes buy a young slave, raise him in Islam, and later present him as a convert. This brought honor and reputation among neighbors, as it showed that he had increased the number of the faithful.
The Serious Cost of Conversion
However, once a person accepted Islam, there was no easy return. According to Ottoman law and belief, leaving Islam was a crime punishable by death. Anyone who tried to return to Christianity would face execution.
For this reason, many who had converted felt trapped. Some may have regretted denying their former faith. Their conscience may have troubled them. Yet they lacked the courage to openly confess their original belief, because doing so would lead to death.
As a result, many lived in silence and fear. Unable to go back, and unwilling to risk martyrdom, they continued in their new religion. In this way, the Ottoman Empire increased its population and strength, but often at a high personal cost to those who converted.