Saint Thomas Christians

Nasrani ( نصراني ), plural Nasara ( نصارى ) is the name given to Christians in the Arab world.

Term

The plural " Nasara " ( نصارى ) is understood as the Syro- Aramaic derivative of Nazareth. It is possible that the word " Nasoräer " derives from this concept because the early Christians used a fish symbol of two semicircles. Until today, the Christian minorities, such as in Turkey, " Nasrani " call.

Wards

The Nasara " were in the Islamic dominion until well into the 19th century as a so -called" wards " ( " dhimmis " ), against payment of a " poll tax " ( " jizya " ) were allowed to keep their religion and for that under the" protection " were asked of the Islamic community. "