Ottoman 1881 Waqf Rental Certificate Jeweler’s Shop Takyeciyân Ankara Armenian Citizen Armenia

Ottoman Waqf Rental Certificate – Mahmud Paşa Vakfı, Dış Bedesten, Ankara (1881)

Description:

This official Ottoman waqf (vakıf) rental document was issued by the Ankara İdare-i Evkâfı and bears the seal of the Hazîne-i Evkâf-ı Hümâyun. The certificate records the lease of a jeweler’s shop (one bab dükkân) located within the Kuyumcular Çarşısı of Takyeciyân, adjacent to the Dış Bedesten in Ankara. The property belonged to the Mahmud Paşa Vakfı and was rented to Kuyumcu Gök (or Gün) Oğlan Oğlu Simon for a monthly fee of 10 akçe. The total rental amount is recorded as 1.5 guruş, noted as paid, and this document was issued as official proof of payment and tenancy. The document is dated 15 Şubat 1296 (27 February 1881).

The front side contains official vakıf administration seals, while the reverse details the rental conditions, including provisions against irregularities and corruption, and clearly states that any excess amount collected would be refunded and formally documented. Historically, Takyeciyân consisted largely of shops externally attached to the Mahmud Paşa Bedesteni, which today forms part of the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi. This document is a high-quality piece of urban and economic history ephemera, illustrating the Ottoman waqf system, bedesten commerce, and the legal-economic role of non-Muslim (Armenian) artisans in Ankara. The presence of an Armenian lessee named Simon further enhances its importance for research into Ankara’s Armenian community and commercial life in the late 19th century.

Key Features:

• Document Type: Official Ottoman vakıf icâre (rental) certificate

• Issuing Authority: Ankara İdare-i Evkâfı, sealed by Hazîne-i Evkâf-ı Hümâyun

• Date: 15 Şubat 1296 (27 February 1881)

• Location: Dış Bedesten, Takyeciyân (Armenian Name) , Kuyumcular Çarşısı, Ankara

• Associated Waqf: Mahmud Paşa Vakfı

• Property Type: One bab jeweler’s shop

• Tenant: Kuyumcu Gök / Gün Oğlan Oğlu Simon (Armenian)

• Monthly Rent: 10 akçe

• Total Paid: 1.5 guruş (recorded as received)

• Historical Significance: Documents Ottoman waqf administration, bedesten trade structure, and Armenian artisan presence in 19th-century Ankara

• Physical Characteristics: Official seals on front; detailed rental conditions on reverse

• Dimensions: 17 x 25 cm