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Correspondence Relating to Executions in Turkey for Apostacy from Islamism
"Correspondence Relating to Executions in Turkey for Apostacy from Islamism" is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work documents the correspondence surrounding the execution of individuals in Turkey for abandoning Islam and reverting to Christianity, specifically focusing on a case that stirred significant outrage among international observers. The central theme revolves around discussions among diplomatic figures regarding the legal and moral implications of such executions, the reaction of various governments, and the ongoing struggle for religious freedom. The opening of the text provides a detailed account of a specific execution of an Armenian youth in Constantinople who publicly declared his Christian faith after initially converting to Islam. The correspondence captures the sentiments of various diplomats, such as Sir Stratford Canning and French and Prussian envoys, expressing their horror at the execution and urging the Turkish government to reconsider its harsh laws. The letters highlight the tension between diplomatic interests and the humane desire to prevent such acts of brutality, setting the stage for a broader discourse on religious tolerance and human rights within the Ottoman Empire.