RETHINKING PROCESS OF CONVERTING TO ISLAM IN THE BALKANS: RENEGATES – WELCOMED GUESTS OR PILLARS OF THE STATE
RETHINKING PROCESS OF CONVERTING TO ISLAM IN THE BALKANS: RENEGATES – WELCOMED GUESTS OR PILLARS OF THE STATE

Summary/Abstract: The process of conversion to Islam was very important occurrence not only in the Balkans but in all regions in the world where Islam was spreading since the 7th century. Although it cannot be said that it had been accomplished only by using the force, the social status and position in the Ottoman State with Islam as the official religion made people to convert mainly for the economic reasons. However, in this paper would also be discussed two ways of forced islamization: surgun (forced relocation of entire population groups) and devşirme (blood tax).

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