November 23, 1584
Sultan Murad III orders an investigation into the number of synagogues in Safed in the Land of Israel.
Murad III rules the Ottoman Empire from 1574 until his death in 1595. During his reign, the status of Jews in the empire declines as he seeks to reinforce its Islamic nature.
The sultan reinstates specific laws for non-Muslims. Under Islamic law, Jews and Christians are classified as protected people (dhimmis in Arabic). As such, Judaism and Christianity are tolerated religions. Their followers are allowed to practice their faith openly and organize in autonomous communities, as long as they follow specific rules. Murad III forbids dhimmis from wearing silk and orders them to wear a special tall hat.
Murad III’s reign also brought about a restriction on building and repairing synagogues. The investigation he ordered in November 1584 states, “The Qadi of Safed has sent a letter reporting that in Safed there are only seven mosques. But the Jews who in olden times had three synagogues have now thirty-two synagogues, and they have made their buildings very high. Furthermore, they have bought much real estate and constituted it as pious foundations for their synagogues. Thus, they have given much annoyance to the Muslims. I have therefore ordered that you shall personally investigate the said matter and report.” (Stillman, Norman A., The Jews of Arab Lands: A History and Sourcebook, Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1979, p. 300)
Within a few years, the number of synagogues in Safed is reduced by one-third. Similarly, in 1586, the Nahmanides Synagogue in Jerusalem is closed and turned into a warehouse after 300 years of use by the Jewish community; it reopens in 1835.
