Carle Jasmin (Image : AI / Gay Globe)
Common Misconceptions About the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire is often imagined as cruel hordes of Muslim soldiers, perpetually at war, conquering every nation in their path for hundreds of years. People even assume that homosexuals living in different regions of the Empire were executed under Sharia law. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
According to historians, the Ottoman Empire’s remarkable success was largely due to intelligent and pragmatic governance. Same-sex relationships were widely tolerated in many social contexts, and at its peak, the Ottoman legal and administrative organization already reflected principles later seen in Napoleon Bonaparte’s French Civil Code.
Factors Behind the Ottoman Empire’s Success and Expansion
The Ottoman Empire’s vast reach, dominating parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa for over six centuries, cannot be explained by military might alone. Political, strategic, economic, and cultural factors all contributed to its extraordinary longevity.
Geography was a decisive factor. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Empire controlled major trade routes connecting the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. The capture of Constantinople in 1453 under Mehmed II transformed the city—renamed Istanbul—into a strategic capital and thriving economic center.
Militarily, the Empire maintained a formidable professional army. The Janissary corps, composed of soldiers trained from childhood, formed a disciplined and innovative infantry. The Ottomans were also among the first to use artillery and firearms extensively, giving them a decisive advantage in sieges and major battles.
Administrative structure was another pillar of success. The Empire implemented a relatively flexible governance system, allowing conquered provinces to retain part of their local elites, laws, and traditions. The millet system, in particular, allowed Christian and Jewish communities to manage their religious and civil affairs. This relative tolerance promoted stability across a highly diverse territory.
Economically, the Empire benefited from an extensive trade network and organized taxation system. Ottoman cities were centers of craftsmanship, commerce, and culture. The state integrated conquered populations into its administrative and economic apparatus rather than merely oppressing them, ensuring productive continuity.
Ottoman longevity also stemmed from adaptability. At various times, sultans reformed the army, administration, and law to meet changing global conditions. Even as the Empire began to decline in the 19th century, its political structure and internal cohesion allowed it to survive until 1922.
Historical Tolerance of Same-Sex Relationships
Modern perceptions of homosexuality projected onto past societies often distort understanding of the Ottoman Empire. Contrary to the image of a state strictly governed by rigid religious law, Ottoman social reality was more nuanced, especially between the 15th and 18th centuries.
First, one must distinguish legal norms from social practice. Classical Islamic law condemned male homosexual acts, but in the Ottoman Empire, enforcement was irregular and rarely systematic. Authorities intervened primarily in cases of public scandal, violence, or formal complaint. Private life, as long as it remained discreet, was largely left alone.
Ottoman culture, especially in urban centers, fostered a literary and artistic tradition where ambiguity of desire was common. Court poetry and mystical literature frequently depicted love between men in idealized or symbolic forms. This was not a recognition of a modern homosexual identity but a cultural expression where attraction to male beauty was not automatically marginalized.
It is also important to understand that the concept of “sexual identity” is recent. In the Ottoman context, acts were judged more than orientation. A man could have relationships with other men while being married and a father without it defining his social status, as long as norms of masculinity and honor were upheld.
Social structure played a role as well. Highly gendered spaces—such as public baths, military environments, or certain educational institutions—facilitated homoerotic relationships. This did not indicate explicit approval but rather a tolerated coexistence within an implicit framework.
The Ottoman Empire was pragmatic. Its priority was political and fiscal stability. Private behaviors that did not threaten public order or state authority rarely prompted organized repression.
This relative tolerance began to shift in the 19th century, influenced by modernization reforms and European pressures. Ironically, it was also during this period that modern categories of “homosexuality” emerged, turning previously diffuse practices into identities seen as problematic.
Homosexuality and the LGBTQ+ Community in Modern Turkey
In modern Turkey, the situation for homosexuals and the broader LGBTQ+ community is very different from the Ottoman period: it is neither fully inclusive nor strictly repressive, but marked by limited legal protections, significant social hostility, and increasing political pressures.
Legally, homosexuality has not been a crime in Turkey since the adoption of the 1858 Ottoman Penal Code, and this decriminalization continued after the founding of the Republic. However, the state does not recognize same-sex relationships (no marriage, civil partnerships, or adoption rights for same-sex couples) and there are no explicit anti-discrimination laws protecting individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Socially and politically, conditions are difficult: authorities have banned Pride events in cities like Istanbul since 2015, and attempts at marches or LGBTQ+ gatherings are often dispersed or repressed by police. Human rights organizations note that authorities regularly use bans, confiscation of rainbow symbols, and sometimes arrests during public events. The current political climate emphasizes “traditional family values,” and public statements from leaders, including the president, are often perceived as hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community and its claims.
In 2025 and 2026, controversial legislative proposals—such as the “11th judicial package”—raised serious concerns as they aimed to criminalize LGBTQ+ expression, restrict access to gender-affirming care, and punish same-sex marriages or partnerships. Human rights groups denounced these measures as a serious threat to fundamental freedoms.
Finally, although visibility and LGBTQ+ communities remain active, particularly in large cities, social acceptance is far from widespread, and many LGBTQ+ individuals face harassment, discrimination, and sometimes violence in daily life, often without legal protections.
Community Organizations and Support
Kaos GL Association: one of Turkey’s largest LGBTQ+ associations, defending human rights and providing support and documentation.
📧 bilgi@kaosgldernegi.org
📍 Tunus PTT, PK 12, Ankara, Türkiye
17 Mayıs Derneği: psychosocial and legal support for the LGBTQI+ community.
📧 info@17mayis.org
Kırmızı Şemsiye (Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association): major organization supporting rights and social services.
📧 info@kirmizisemsiye.org
📞 +90 850 244 1275
📧 Refugee support: refugeesupport@kirmizisemsiye.org
📞 Refugee support line: 0850 888 0539
HEVİ LGBTİ+ Derneği (Istanbul): social, legal, and psychosocial support.
📧 info@hevilgbti.org
Genç LGBTİ+ Derneği: support for LGBTQ+ youth, legal and psychological counseling.
📧 dernek@genclgbti.org
📧 hukuk@genclgbti.org
📧 danisma@genclgbti.org
📞 +90 232 464 03 30
SPoD – Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (Istanbul): community support, information, and assistance.
📧 info@spod.org.tr
LİSTAG – LGBTİ+ Families and Friends Association: support for families and youth. Contact via official website.
Lambdaistanbul LGBTI+ Solidarity Association (Istanbul): social activities, discussion groups, and community events.
Local organizations:
- İzmir Group: 📞 0 538 683 46 72
- Antalya Group: 📞 0 542 443 52 69
- Denizli Group: 📞 0535 315 51 97
Other useful resources:
Médecins du Monde – psychosocial care for refugees and migrants (Istanbul, İzmir, Hatay/Antakya)
📧 info@dunyadoktorlari.org.tr
☎️ Istanbul: +90 212 249 44 58
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