The term "Sabbateans" refers to followers of the 17th-century Jewish mystic and false messiah, Sabbatai Zevi. He claimed to be the awaited Messiah and attracted a large following among Jews in the Ottoman Empire and beyond. After converting to Islam under pressure, many of his followers continued to believe in his messianic role, leading to the formation of various sects. Sabbateanism influenced Jewish thought and culture, particularly through its emphasis on mysticism and the reinterpretation of religious laws. The movement's legacy can still be seen in some modern Jewish communities, where elements of Kabbalah and mysticism persist.