Religious life in Ottoman society according to 19th century French Travelbooks

In this study, which examines the religious life in the Ottoman society based on the French travel books written in the 19th century, the religious life and life of not only Turks and Muslims but also non-Muslim minorities are discussed. It was examined that the religious and ethnic differences of the French travelers, who came from professions and came to the Ottoman lands for different purposes, were reflected in daily life. It should also be known that French travelers generally presented an Ottoman image based on Istanbul, as it was the center of history and culture. Although they appreciate the Turks on certain issues, it is often seen that they have a negative vision. In these travel books, where orientalist approaches were abundant, the thoughts and observations of French travelers, the mysterious life of the eastern people were examined. The study consists of three parts. In the first part, the source value of the travelogues and the perspectives of the travelers against the Ottoman society and religions that were tried to be conveyed. The second part of the study, according to the examinations of the French travel books, consists of the social and religious lives of the Muslims in the 19th century. Here, family structures, religious institutions, clergy and the religious lives of Muslims are conveyed. It is seen that travelers gave extensive and special details regarding Hagia Sophia, the dervishes and the cemeteries. The third chapter consists of the religious lives of non-Muslims in the Ottoman geography that were examined during the same century. It was widely excepted by the travelers that the Christians living there were able to practice their religion in a comfortable environment. It was also noted that there were generally negative evaluations made about the Jews.