A Karakaş Speaks

Academic interest in the crypto-Judaic Dönmes has grown, yet narratives from actual community members remain scarce. This work aims to bridge that gap through interviews with a member of the Karakas group, one of the three main Dönme sects. It includes introductory chapters on the history of the Dönmes and the Karakas group, along with richly annotated footnotes explaining local nuances. This book will appeal to both specialists and general readers interested in this unique intersection of Ottoman, Judaic, and contemporary Turkish history, featuring previously unpublished religious documents, calendars, and partial genealogies.