Ottoman control preserved Orthodox autonomy while Latin control demanded papal supremacy

Evidence

By presenting their views, I hope to show the Ottomans were perceived as a fatal end, but not the worst outcome possible. Orthodox authorities perceived an invasion by the Latins as worse, for they would not afford them autonomy which might be hoped under Muslims. The land might remain under Christian rule, but the Orthodox churches would have to yield to papal supremacy. While the Muslim conquest might lead to a change of the head of state, the churches would not be forced to make any doctrinal changes or alter their church hierarchy. — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 26

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains the specific religious-political calculus that made Muslim rule comparatively palatable to Orthodox authorities.
• XREF: connects to: Orthodox authorities perceived an invasion by the Latins as worse, for they would not afford them autonomy which might be hoped under Muslims. The land might remain under Christian rule, but the Orthodox churches would have to yield to papal supremacy. While the Muslim conquest might lead to a change of the head of state, the churches would not be forced to make any doctrinal changes or alter their church hierarchy.; Joseph Bryennius, a Byzantine theologian said, ‘Let no one be deceived by delusive hopes that the Italian allied troops will sooner or later come to us. But if they do pretend to rise to defend us, they will take arms in order to destroy our city, race, and name.’ The military aid of the Latin might push off the Ottoman threat, but this assistance would have far worse consequence than those the rule of the Ottomans would have. Indeed, the Latins would require doctrinal subordination and recognition of papal superiority.; The fall marked the end of the Eastern Roman Empire and highlighted the deep-rooted theological tensions within Christianity, tensions that were so profound that many Orthodox Christians preferred Ottoman rule over submission to the Latin Church. This preference stemmed from a desire to maintain theological autonomy and avoid the doctrinal compromises required by the Latin Church. (+13 more)

Broader Connections

• Orthodox Christians preferred Ottoman rule because it shielded them from Latin interference. #corroborates (0.70) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 42
• Ottoman conquest of Constantinople preserved most Christian churches and Orthodox autonomy. #expands (0.70) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 39
• Orthodox clergy preferred Ottoman rule over Latin rule during the fall of Constantinople. #corroborates (0.65) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 60
• Some Byzantine laity preferred Latin Christian rule over Ottoman Muslim rule. #contradicts (0.60) — Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, 33
• Christians preferred Ottoman tolerance over Catholic persecution #corroborates (0.60) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 75