On July 31st, 1492, the Alhambra Decree took effect, marking the last day Jews could leave Spain before facing execution. This was the last phase of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella's plan for the Spanish Inquisition. They, along with Father Tomas de Torquemada, believed that as long as there were Jews in Spain, both conversos and born-Catholics could be swayed and leave their true faith. Therefore, once Spain reconquered Granada and unified Spain once again, the monarchs decided that the Jews were unimportant and expelled them. The decree was issued at the end of March; the Jews were given four months to either leave or convert. As long as they left within that time period, they were guaranteed safe passage out of Spain (not necessarily to the next country in which they decided to settle), and they were allowed to bring money and their belongings, but no silver or gold. This led to the Jews liquidating all of their assets, helping the Spanish economy. Tens of thousands of Jewish refugees died while escaping, but many made it to a final destination. Sultan II Bayezid of the Ottoman Empire, who believed that the Spanish monarchy was foolish for allowing the Jews to depart since they improved the economy, greeted those who traveled to Turkey with open arms.The Alhambra Decree remained in effect until December 16, 1968. Today, Spain is still trying to make amends with the Jewish community by offering Spanish citizenship to those of Sephardic descent.