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The phrase “Here no Fish will be forced to fly and no Bird will be forced to swim” is often attributed to the Ottoman Empire as an analogy for its tolerant and inclusive approach to governing diverse peoples within its vast territories.
During the Ottoman Empire's peak, it encompassed a diverse range of ethnicities, religions, and cultures. The Ottomans were known for their relatively tolerant policies towards different religious and ethnic communities. This approach allowed various groups to maintain their own traditions, languages, and beliefs, as long as they paid taxes and remained loyal to the empire.
The phrase you mentioned is a metaphorical way of expressing this policy of acceptance and respect for diversity. It signifies that people were not forced to assimilate or adopt the customs of another group, much like how a fish is not forced to fly, and a bird is not forced to swim.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that while the Ottoman Empire had relatively more tolerant policies compared to some other empires of its time, it was not a utopia of complete equality. There were still instances of religious and ethnic tensions, and certain communities faced challenges and discrimination. It's important to view history with a balanced perspective and recognize both the positive aspects of tolerance and the shortcomings that existed within the Ottoman Empire.