Ottoman 1907 Debt Contract in Ottoman Script and Greek Muslim Non-Muslim Citizen Finance

Ottoman Debt Contract with Bilingual Notations – 1907

Description:
This is an original Ottoman debt contract (borç senedi) dated 1 Teşrîn-i Evvel 1323 (14 October 1907). In the Ottoman Empire, debt agreements were formally recorded between creditor and debtor, noting the borrowed amount, interest (if applicable), repayment conditions, and legal consequences in case of default. Such contracts were legally binding and could be enforced through government authorities.

In this document, the debtor Osman Efendi acknowledges receiving 500 kuruş and 4.5 kiles of corn (maize) in early September 1323, with interest applied. The text clearly states that if the debt is not repaid, the matter could be referred to the Ottoman authorities for resolution.

A distinctive feature of this contract is the Rum (Greek) script at the bottom, written by the creditor, who was a Rum (Greek) Ottoman citizen. Although the Greek passage remains partially undeciphered, it emphasizes the multi-ethnic and multi-religious character of Ottoman society, where Muslims and non-Muslims frequently engaged in economic relations, formalized through such contracts.

The document also bears an Ottoman fiscal stamp (pul), validating it as an official, state-recognized debt record.

Key Features:

• Date: 1 Teşrîn-i Evvel 1323 (14 October 1907)

• Type: Debt contract (borç senedi)

• Debtor: Osman Efendi

• Creditor: A Rum (Greek) Ottoman subject (with Greek-script notation on the document)

• Loan Amount: 500 kuruş and 4.5 kiles of corn (mısır)

• Clause: If unpaid, the case may be taken to the authorities

• Details: Contains both Ottoman Turkish and Rumca (Greek) writing

• Validation: Ottoman revenue stamp (pul) attached

• Historical Significance: A remarkable example of Muslim–non-Muslim economic interaction in late Ottoman society, highlighting how formal debt agreements were cross-communal and legally enforceable.