The moment
A mystic from Smyrna was proclaimed messiah in 1665, with Nathan of Gaza as his prophet, and Jewish communities across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East prepared for redemption, some selling their property. Arrested by the Ottoman authorities, he was brought before the sultan in September 1666 and chose Islam over death. The movement collapsed for most, but a core of believers read the apostasy as a secret mission, and their descendants, the Dönme, kept a hidden faith for generations.
People: Shabbetai Tzevi, Nathan of Gaza