The book consists of four chapters that are based mainly on primary sources, mainly the Responsa literature and archival research, mainly the Levant company records and tombstones. The chapters discuss the economic and political activities of a Levantine Jew in Venice during the years 1658-1672 and deals with dozens of wealthy Jews in Istanbul during the seventeenth century. The work discusses their place in the economic life and emphasizes the close ties between prominent Jews and the Ottoman authorities. Another aspect discussed in the book is the involvement of the wealthy Jews in community affairs and expands the discussion on the relationships between them.

Künye

İÇİNDEKİLER   

A List of Hebrew Terms ............................................................................  7

Notes on Terminology, Currency, Dimensions and Rates ..........  9

Introduction ...........................................................................................  13

Chapter 1: The commercial activity of the Carub family in 16^th and
17^th century Morea, Zante, and Venice and Haim Carub's
lawsuit against the Levant Company in 1658-1672...........................  21

Chapter 2: Rabbinate and politics in 17^th century
Istanbul as reflected in the contest for the rabbinate in the
Neve Shalom (Aragon) Congregation..................................................  63

Chapter 3: Jewish gvirim in 17^th century Istanbul and
their political power...........................................................................  113

Chapter 4: The contribution of wealthy Jewish families in
17^th century Istanbul to the economic and spiritual life of the local
Jewish community..............................................................................  183

ALBUM.......................................................................................................  235

Archival Sources ..................................................................................  245

INDEX.........................................................................................................  261