Tucker Carlson recently chatted with J.D. Hall, a Christian commentator and theologian, about topics like Christian Zionism and dispensationalism.
During their talk, Hall suggested that Islam has historically treated Christians well, particularly during the time of the Ottoman Empire.
However, Hall expressed concern that Carlson’s interview could be seen as an effort to “whitewash Islam.”
In a related episode of “Relatable,” Aly examined the true historical interactions between Islam and Christianity.
“Under the Awa system for 400 years, the Ottoman Empire didn’t impose taxes on churches. Israel just started doing that recently,” Hall contended, arguing that Muslim rulers were quite compassionate towards Christians.
Ali countered Hall’s claims about taxes, marking them as “misleading.” She referenced historian Raymond Ibrahim, who studies Islamic history and its relations with the West.
“Certain taxes were indeed not directly imposed on churches, yet Christians were subject to the jizya, an extra tax for non-Muslims, which was essential for protection,” Ali explained.
“While the Ottoman Empire permitted religious groups to manage some of their own matters, non-Muslims were still regarded as second-class citizens. They encountered additional taxes and several restrictions related to church activities, evangelism, legal rights, attire, and possession of arms,” she elaborated.
Ali strongly disagreed with Hall’s assertion that Muslim rulers were benevolent, asserting that “absolutely not” was that true. She mentioned the persecution, murder, and enslavement of Christians under the Ottoman regime for centuries.
Ali referred specifically to Constantinople, a critical site for Eastern Orthodoxy, which fell to Muslim control.
As the city’s defenses crumbled, many civilians flocked to Hagia Sophia, the largest church, hoping for safety. However, Ottoman forces, led by Sultan Mehmed II, invaded, leading to extensive abuses including looting and enslavement, according to Ali.
Reading eyewitness accounts from Byzantine figures, she recounted brutal incidents, including the assault on a Grand Duke’s daughter and other women, which served as an affront to Christianity.
“It’s astounding how some things seem unchanged over centuries,” Ali remarked. “We see similar patterns of violence against Christians today in places like Nigeria and Uganda.”
Furthermore, she claimed that this violence is not merely about plundering but a profound blasphemy against the Christian faith.
For further insights into Ali’s arguments, viewers can watch the episode linked above.
