Why and how was homosexuality legalized in the Ottoman Empire? Were they entering into a new era of progressivism? Also how did the 'ulemas and locals react?

by proudpashtun

I saw this on Wikipedia and in a Washington Post article but they never elaborated on how ironic that an Islamic caliphate would legalize what was considered sodomy. I also noticed that many Balkan nationalists like to make the allegation that the sultan would kidnap and rape young boys captured from Europe but I find this too disturbing, exaggerated, and unethical to be true.

frogbrooks

Hey! I started to type up a response to this before I came across /u/PaxOttomanica's excellent response to the question "What lead to the Ottoman Empire decriminalizing homosexuality in 1858? Was there a lot of opposition and controversy around this?" I hope you find his answer satisfactory!