Ottoman 1909 Land Deed House in Bitola North Macedonia Title Deed Balkans Muslim Islam Quarter
Ottoman Tapu (Deed) – House Share in Kara Debbah İslam Quarter, Manastır (Bitola) (1909)
Description:
This Ottoman property deed, dated 12 June 1325 AH (25 June 1909 CE), records the sale of an 8-share portion (out of 144 total shares) of a house located in Kara Debbah İslam Mahallesi, Halid Efendi Street, Manastır (modern-day Bitola, North Macedonia).
The deed lists the original owner as Emine Hanım, daughter of Ahmed, an Ottoman citizen, represented through her legal proxy Hacı Celaleddin Efendi, son of Hacı İsmail Ağa. Acting on her behalf, Hacı Celaleddin sold the 8 shares to Hidayet Hanım, daughter of Cafer, for 1,000 kuruş, notably higher than the appraised value of 888 kuruş.
This document is of particular historical importance as it reflects the Turkish presence in the Balkans, specifically in Manastır, a key Ottoman provincial center. Preserved with its original Ottoman stamps and seals, it stands as a valuable testament to urban property ownership, inheritance, and women’s role in property transactions in the late Ottoman Balkans.
Key Features:
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Date: 12 June 1325 AH (25 June 1909 CE)
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Location: Kara Debbah İslam Quarter, Halid Efendi Street, Manastır (Bitola, North Macedonia)
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Type: Residential house (Hane) – 8 shares out of 144
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Size: 500 zira
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Boundaries (Hudud):
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Right: Ahmed and İbrahim Ağa’s house
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Left: Rafet Ağa’s house
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Rear: Heirs of Arif Muhtar Hayreddin
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Front: Public road
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Owner: Emine Hanım, daughter of Ahmed (Ottoman citizen)
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Proxy: Hacı Celaleddin Efendi, son of Hacı İsmail Ağa
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Buyer: Hidayet Hanım, daughter of Cafer (Ottoman citizen)
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Value: Appraised at 888 kuruş, sold for 1,000 kuruş
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Paper/Condition: Original Ottoman deed with stamp and seal marks
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Language: Ottoman Turkish
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Cultural Significance: A rare record of Ottoman-era property ownership in the Balkans, demonstrating Turkish presence in Manastır and the active role of women in land transactions