Ottoman 1907 Land Deed Vineyard in Adana Tarsus Greek Citizen Title Deed Rum

Ottoman Property Deed – Vineyard in Tarsus (Adana Sanjak), 1907

Description:
This Ottoman deed, dated November 1907, records the ownership and sale of a vineyard in the village of Şamanlı? (near Tarsus, in the Adana Sanjak). The property originally belonged to Yorgaki Şaykar Efendi, son of Libi, an Ottoman citizen of the Rum (Greek Orthodox) community. Such deeds are rare, as records show that only a very small number of Rum families lived in Tarsus during this period.

The vineyard, measuring 11 zira-i atik, 3 dönüm, 1 evlek, 12 arşun, and 30 kirah, was valued at 1,250 kuruş but sold for the lower price of 875 kuruş to Livardan and Kadenko, wife of Kostanik, both also bearing Rum names. The deed thus reflects not only the land transaction but also the limited and close-knit Rum presence in a region otherwise dominated by Turkish, Armenian, and other local communities.

For collectors, this document is of particular interest as it highlights the multicultural fabric of Tarsus while providing evidence of a rare Rum-owned property. The deed is adorned with stamps and seals that further enhance its authenticity.

Key Features:

• Date: Teşrinisani 1323 (November 1907)

• Location: Şamanlı Village, Tarsus (Adana Sanjak)

• Property Type: Vineyard (bağ)

• Size: 11 zira-i atik + 3 dönüm + 1 evlek + 12 arşun + 30 kirah

• Boundaries: East: Mehmed Ağa’s vineyard; North: Mehmed Ağa; South: Pamukçuoğlu Abraham

• Owner: Yorgaki Şaykar Efendi, son of Libi (Rum community, Ottoman citizen)

• Transaction: Sold to Livardan and Kadenko (wife of Kostanik, Rum community)

• Sale Price: Valued at 1,250 kuruş, sold for 875 kuruş

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Condition: Original document with stamps and seals; age-consistent wear

• Notable Cultural Context: Rare example of a Rum (Greek Orthodox) property in Tarsus, where the community was small and records are scarce.