The Dönme were a group of Sabbatean followers in the Ottoman Empire who were originally followers of Sabbatai Zevi, a self-proclaimed Jewish Messiah in the 17th century. After Zevi’s conversion to Islam in 1666, many of his followers also converted, forming a sect known as the Dönme. They practiced a form of syncretic belief, combining elements of Judaism and Islam, and maintained their distinct identity within Ottoman society.
The Dönme were known for their secrecy and had a complex relationship with both Jewish and Muslim communities. They played a role in various aspects of Ottoman society, including commerce, politics, and culture. In the early 20th century, particularly during the rise of modern Turkey under Atatürk, the Dönme faced increased scrutiny and pressure to assimilate into mainstream Turkish society. Today it is unclear how many people still call themselves Dönme although some still live in Teşvikiye in Istanbul. Most are buried in the Bülbüldere Cemetery in Üsküdar where, unusually, their gravestones feature photographs of the deceased. Some sources claim there are around 40,000 Dönme/Sabbateans living in Turkey.
