Another serious problem in the Ottoman courts was the ease with which some people gave false witness. It was said that for a small payment, or even for very little reward, some Turks would agree to testify falsely in court. This was especially true in cases between a Christian and a Muslim.
When such disputes arose, religious feeling often influenced the result. Some believed that supporting a Muslim against a Christian was a religious duty. Because of this belief, false testimony was sometimes excused or even praised. Lying in such a case was not always seen as a sin, but as an act done for the benefit of the Muslim community Customized Turkey Tour.
There were reports that some witnesses did not even wait to be asked. They would come forward willingly and offer testimony against a Christian. In this way, religion was used as a reason to justify dishonesty. When both judges and witnesses were guided by such ideas, justice could easily lose its true meaning.
Justice Out of Order
Because of these practices, justice in the Ottoman courts often moved far away from fairness. When false witnesses were accepted, and religious bias was allowed to influence decisions, the courts could no longer be trusted to treat all people equally.
In such a system, a Christian bringing a complaint against a Muslim faced great difficulty. Even if his case was strong, he could lose if witnesses spoke falsely against him. This created fear and insecurity among foreign merchants and travelers living within the empire.
Protection for English Merchants
For this reason, an English ambassador took careful steps when renewing agreements, known as capitulations, with the Ottoman government. These agreements protected the rights of English subjects living and trading in Ottoman lands.
The ambassador wisely added a special article for protection. It stated that the testimony of Turkish witnesses alone should not be accepted in court against the interests of English merchants. Instead, proof had to be given in writing.
The only evidence allowed in such cases was a formal legal document, called a “Hoget.” This was similar to a written contract or official statement made before a judge. It could also be a written bill or paper signed by the person against whom the claim was made.
The Importance of Written Evidence
This rule proved to be very wise and useful. By requiring written proof, the English merchants were protected from false witnesses and unfair accusations. It reduced the danger of religious bias in legal disputes.
Written documents were harder to deny or falsify than spoken words. They provided stronger and clearer evidence. As a result, English traders could conduct their business with greater confidence and safety.
Through this careful agreement, justice for English subjects became more secure, even within a legal system that often suffered from corruption and partiality.