This first lecture is part of a larger lecture series that explores Israel's cultural diversity and discusses the place of minorities in the Land of Israel country from a historical perspective. Specifically, the video looks at how the various empires that marched through this land their mark and dealt with minorities. With a focus on the current modern era, the talk explores in-depth the impacts of the Ottoman Millet System that provided recognition, autonomy, and protection to minorities in the Ottoman Empire. In particular, the talk takes an anthropological perspective to understand the place of minorities in a polyethnic state such as Israel. Lastly, I argue that Israel's vibrant cultural diversity is unique in the Middle East and should be celebrated and protected.