Ottoman 1907 Land Deed Field in Tokat Sofyon Title Armenian Family Armenia

Ottoman Land Deed (Tapu) from Tokat – Transfer of Usage Rights to an Armenian Citizen (1907)

Description:

This is an original Ottoman Turkish land deed (tapu) documenting a field property located in Sofyon neighborhood of Tokat, specifically in the area recorded as Cemal. The document is dated 11 Cemaziyel Ahir 1325 (22 July 1907) and is written in Ottoman Turkish using Arabic script. It provides detailed boundary descriptions and precise land measurements, recorded as 4 dönüm atik, 2 dönüm 11 evlek, and 77 arşın-ı cedid, reflecting both traditional and updated measurement systems of the late Ottoman period.

A particularly notable aspect of this document is the nature of the transaction. It records that Maksud oğlu Hasan’s brother’s wife, Ayşe Hanım, transferred her usage rights (hakk-ı karar) of the property to an Armenian citizen identified as Culfa oğlu Kalbus from Teknecik village. The value of the property is recorded as 500 kuruş. The boundary descriptions also include multiple Armenian names such as Serkis and Karabet, alongside Muslim individuals, clearly illustrating the mixed social fabric of the region.

This document is especially valuable as it offers direct insight into everyday social and economic life in the Ottoman provinces, highlighting how Muslim and non-Muslim communities coexisted and engaged in legal and financial transactions. Such records not only document property ownership but also shed light on the multicultural structure of society, making it highly desirable for collectors interested in Ottoman social history.

The deed bears official seals and handwritten elements, and the reverse side includes Armenian script, further enhancing its historical depth and authenticity. A compelling and visually rich piece, it stands as both a legal record and a cultural artifact reflecting the lived realities of its time.

Key Features:

• Type: Ottoman land deed (tapu)

• Location: Tokat, Sofyon neighborhood (Cemal area)

• Property Type: Field (agricultural land)

• Size: 4 dönüm atik, 2 dönüm 11 evlek, 77 arşın-ı cedid

• Boundaries: East: Tonbul oğlu Serkis – West: Keşiş oğlu Karabet – North: Hacı Salih Efendi – South: Mountain 

• Transaction Type: Transfer of usage rights (hakk-ı karar)

• Transferor: Ayşe Hanım

• Owner: Culfa oğlu Kalbus (Armenian, Teknecik village)

• Price: 500 kuruş

• Date: 11 Cemaziyel Ahir 1325 (22 July 1907)

• Language: Ottoman Turkish (Arabic script)

• Additional Writing: Armenian script on the reverse side

• Features: Official seals and handwritten entries

• Historical Significance: Reflects Muslim–Armenian property relations and everyday provincial life in the Ottoman Empire

• Condition: Please review images for overall condition and age-related wear