The Ottoman empire may have faded out many years ago. Throughout the countries that were once ruled over by the Ottomans though, the legacies of their laws continue to have an impact.

From:
Jew School

The Ottomans: Gone But Not Forgotten
by Shalom Rav Sunday, June 21st, 2009

Read an interesting article in the NY Times yesterday about the new $200 million museum opening in Athens. Apparently there is now hope in Greece that it will become the permanent home for the Parthenon Marbles – an ancient frieze from the Parthenon that was taken by the British in the early 19th century.

Toward the end of the article:

Greece retains only 36 of the 115 original panels from the Parthenon frieze, which depicts a procession in honor of the goddess Athena. Britain has long asserted that when (British Ambassador) Lord Elgin chiseled off the sculptures some 200 years ago, he was acting legally, since he had permission from Greece’s Ottoman rulers.
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