Sabbatean Movement

This book explores one of the most significant mystical movements in the history of Kabbalah—the Sabbatean movement. This movement sought to synthesize the various strands of Kabbalistic doctrine into a unified system, with the ultimate aim of affirming the messianic identity of Sabbatai Zevi (????????? ?????). Sabbatean Kabbalah was deeply influenced by theosophical-theurgical, or theoretical, Kabbalah—drawing from both the teachings of Ha'ari (???"?) and those of Ramak (????). In 1683, seven years after the death of Sabbatai Zevi, approximately 300 Jewish families in Thessaloniki converted to Islam under the leadership of Yosef Philosoph (???? ???????). These families, along with earlier converts from Zevi's time, became the foundation of the Donme (????????) sect. The Donme continued to exist in secrecy, often maintaining a dual religious identity—outwardly Muslim, yet privately adhering to certain Jewish beliefs and Sabbatean doctrines. Over time, criticism of the Sabbatean and Donme sects intensified. Members of these groups, however, vigorously denied the accusations leveled against them. Particular controversy arose following the publication of a book by Ilgaz Zorlu (????? ?????), a former member turned critic, who portrayed the sect's ideology and lifestyle in a disparaging light. In response, members of the sect asserted that the book misrepresented their beliefs and practices, offering a distorted and misleading image. They emphasized the importance of verifying information and cautioned against the spread of unsubstantiated claims.