Shabbatai Zevi was a 17th-century Jewish mystic and self-proclaimed Messiah born in Smyrna, now Izmir, Turkey, in 1626. He gained a significant following among Jews in the Ottoman Empire and beyond, claiming to fulfill biblical prophecies. His teachings combined elements of Kabbalah and traditional Jewish beliefs, leading many to believe he was the awaited redeemer. In 1666, Zevi was arrested by the Ottoman authorities and faced the choice of conversion to Islam or death. He chose conversion, which led to disillusionment among his followers. Despite this, his movement influenced various sects, including the Dönmeh, a group of crypto-Jews who continued to follow his teachings.