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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: zonder who wrote (11086)	1/6/2003 9:29:34 AM
From: lurqer	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 89467

While I think the subject of our discussion has some serious long term market implications, with the beginning of a transitional market week, I'll have to make this brief. If you want to say that the Ottoman Empire's legal system had some differences from the Sharia of preceding Caliphates, no problem. I'm still of the opinion that the system was a variation on a theme and not something totally different - i.e. much closer to the classic sharia than to any other legal system. I completely agree that the devshirme system was not to produce subjugated slaves to perform menial tasks. But when you forcibly yank children from there parents and proscribe a lifetime of service, there are slavelike aspects. I certainly agree that the Ottomans did not forcible convert the Balkans. Although as I have already stated (IMO) their reasons were far from altruistic. When I discussed forcible conversion, I was referring to the Mediterranean lands of North Africa and the Middle East. So to be more specific I should have said Arabs conquered largely Christian lands. Now these lands are predominantly Muslim Understanding the history of these areas is (IMO) a necessary precursor to understanding the current mindset. It is that current mindset about which I am seeking a better understanding. In some respects, the mindset seems to be similar to the Christian Europe mindset of about a millennium earlier. But I believe that is only partially true. I noticed that Egypt is getting their first woman judge. Since I believe women’s rights are good barometer of fundamental compatibility of a society with the modern world, this judgeship is positive. Unfortunately it will only become significant when it is no longer news. Perhaps next weekend we can discuss modern Turkey? lurqer