What role did the Ottoman Empire play in the history of Jews in Yemen

Introduction

The Ottoman Empire played a significant role in the history of Jews in Yemen, with their influence alternating between periods of relative tolerance and increased hardship. Here are the key aspects of Ottoman involvement:

Ottoman Rule and Its Effects

First Ottoman Period (1547-1630)

The Ottomans took control of Yemen from the Rasulides in 1547

This period allowed Yemenite Jews to connect with other Jewish communities under Ottoman rule

Jews gained access to the Kabbalists in Safed, a major Jewish center at the time

Interlude of Zaydi Rule (1630-1872)

The Zaydis took over Yemen from the Ottomans in 1630

This period saw increased persecution of Jews under Zaydi rule

Second Ottoman Period (1872-1918)

The Ottomans regained control of Yemen in 1872

Jewish conditions generally improved compared to Zaydi rule

The creation of the Yemen Vilayet in 1872 led to some positive changes:

The Orphans’ Decree, which forced Jewish orphans to convert to Islam, was revoked

Jews were granted more religious freedom

Contact with other Jewish communities was again facilitated

Ottoman Policies and Their Impact

Improved Legal Status

Ottoman rule generally provided more protection for Jews as “People of the Book”

Jews were granted freedom of religion in exchange for paying the jizya tax

Economic Opportunities

Some Jews achieved important positions under Ottoman rule

For example, Rabbi Shalom ben Aharon became responsible for minting and royal coffers

Migration and Population Shifts

Ottoman policies indirectly contributed to Jewish emigration from Yemen

Starting around 1881, many Yemenite Jews began moving to Jerusalem

In 1883, Jews were officially barred from leaving Yemen for Palestine, but emigration continued

Challenges Under Ottoman Rule

The Ottoman authorities sometimes increased the jizya tax burden on Jews

Jewish holidays were not always respected

The “Dung-Gatherers’ Decree,” which tasked Jews with cleaning sewers, remained in effect

Legacy of Ottoman Rule

The Ottoman era in Yemen (1872-1918) contributed to the gradual emigration of Jews from the region. Factors included:

Social disruptions during Ottoman rule (political unrest, warfare, environmental disasters)

Economic distress that acted as a push factor for Jewish emigration

Increased accessibility to Palestine, which became part of the same political entity as Yemen

Implementation of political liberties and equal civil rights, previously unknown in Yemen

Conclusion

While Ottoman rule brought some improvements for Yemenite Jews compared to the harsh Zaydi regime, it also set in motion forces that ultimately led to the near-complete exodus of Jews from Yemen in the mid-20th century.