Diversity and Unity in the Ottoman Empire: The Dilemma of “Benign Neglect”

Abstract

The Ottoman Empire was a significant Eurasian political and military force during the 14th and 20th centuries. One of its main characteristics was its vast territory and the multiplicity of peoples under its rule. This ethno-religious diversity proved a major challenge for the empire's governance, and the Ottomans adopted a series of practices in their quest for better governability within their territorial possessions. This article seeks to present the dilemma faced by large empires: governing through diversity, against the backdrop of the Ottoman Empire. The concept of "Benign Neglect," presented by Catherwood (2006), reveals the difficulty in reconciling policies of autonomy for local communities with complex disputes with external forces. The case of the Emirate of Mount Lebanon is presented as an example of this relationship between the empire and European powers. The article reveals that the Ottoman Empire's use of the Millets and Capitulations system, amidst the disputes of the Concert of Europe and Ottoman weakening, encouraged external intervention against the Empire, contributing to its territorial fragmentation and subsequent dissolution.

Discussion on the article "Whyis it importantto study the history of the Ottoman Empire?" by Monique Sochaczewski. Published in Revista Debates em Educação, v. 32 (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7976.2025.e106590