The Ceylon between the Myth and Reality and Issue of TurkicOrigin Sri-Lankans from Anonymous Reminiscences to Family Genealogy

Nominalized with various names such as Serendib and Ceylon in the past, drawing an analogy of the “Teardrop of India” due to its geographical shape and location, Sri Lanka is a small island state located in the vicinity of southern India. A highly intriguing history and a network of connections is available in terms of Ottoman history within the sociocultural depths of Sri Lanka, ascribed as the “Pearl of Indian Ocean” due to its rich precious stone potential of 25% of its total land. Having a heterogeneous population of various minorities and religions, Sri Lankan Moors have laid at the heart of relations established by the Ottoman State with the island. It is surprising for certain consulates assigned with office in various provinces of Ceylon in the name and on behalf of the Ottoman State appointing local individuals as representatives in Ceylon starting from the mid-19th Century having genealogies alleged to be “Turkic-origin.” This article analyzes the accustoming bond established by Ceylon Muslims with the Ottoman State and Turks within the context of Ottoman-Ceylon relations. In addition, it discusses the issue of Turkic-origin Sri Lankans inhabiting the island to be the first in the literature as currently there is a lack of qualified literature regarding this topic.