Religious Services

The Status of Christians in the Mosul Province Under the Policies of the Ottoman State (1879–1900 AD)

Luqman Mohammedamin Babakr, Dara Tawfeeq Kaka Amin

This study discusses the status and conditions of the Christian communities in the Mosul Province during the Ottoman era, specifically between the years 1879 and 1900. Focusing on the non-Muslim religious components of the province, particularly Christians, the research highlights their importance and unique position. The key factors behind this importance include the province’s strategically significant geographical location and the interest shown by European countries in Christians as political, religious, economic, and military allies. These dynamics greatly influenced the Ottoman authorities’ policies and perceptions toward this group. The study draws from sources that indicate Christians held notable roles in administration, education, healthcare, and religious services within the province. Their presence and contributions were shaped by Ottoman policies that, while granting certain rights and privileges (such as exemption from military service), also subjected them to various restrictions and inequalities. Compared to other non-Muslim groups in the province, Christians often enjoyed more privileges, yet they also frequently faced injustice and oppression from officials and the state. This research specifically sheds light on a distinct period in Ottoman policy toward Christians in Mosul, addressing questions such as: To what extent were Christians respected as an internal community of the state? What was their lifestyle like during this period? How integrated were they into the state’s administrative institutions? And how did international developments influence the Ottoman Empire’s treatment of Christians? These and other questions form the core objectives of the study.