Ottoman 1875 Property Deed House in Izmir Çeşme Greek Rum Greece Title Deed
Ottoman Property Deed House in Çeşme, 1875
Description:
Dated March 7, 1875 (23 Şubat 1290 in the Rumi calendar), this Ottoman property deed (tapu) records the ownership of a house located in Marmara Street, Çeşme, İzmir, registered under property number 1920.
The property, valued at 5,500 kuruş, was jointly owned by Kostanti, Istifane (Stefani), and Liyanaki, all identified as Rum a term used in the Ottoman Empire for non-Muslim Greek subjects living within Ottoman territories. Their ownership reflects the multicultural and multiethnic character of 19th-century Ottoman coastal towns like Çeşme, where Greek, Turkish, and other communities coexisted and participated in the local economy.
An additional notable detail is found on the reverse side of the document, where a signature written in Greek (Rumca) appears, providing a personal touch and confirming the authenticity of the transaction from the owners themselves.
Deeds like this were vital legal instruments, meticulously recording property details, ownership, and value for taxation and legal purposes, while also serving as historical records of the diverse demographic fabric of the empire.
Key Features:
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Date: March 7, 1875 (Rumi 23 Şubat 1290)
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Type: Ottoman property deed (tapu)
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Location: Marmara Street, Çeşme, İzmir - Property No. 1920
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Property Type: House (hane)
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Value: 5,500 kuruş
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Owners: Kostanti, Istifane (Stefani), and Liyanaki - Rum (Greek non-Muslim citizen of the Ottoman Empire)
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Historical Context: Reflects property ownership among Rum communities in late 19th-century Ottoman İzmir
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Special Detail: Reverse side bears a handwritten signature in Greek (Rumca) from the owners