Ottoman 1911 Land Deed Field in Bolu Düzce Title Muslim Citizens Arapgirlizade

Ottoman Field Title Deed (One-Third Share) from Düzce – Cami-i Kebir Quarter, Bolu (1911)

Description:

This Ottoman Turkish title deed records a one-third (sülüs) share of an agricultural field located in Cami-i Kebir Mahallesi of Düzce, within the Bolu region. The property is identified in the “Orta Alan” locality and is described with detailed cadastral precision typical of late Ottoman land records.

The boundaries (hudud) are carefully defined: to the east, the field of Hacı Rıza Bey and a ditch ; to the west, the field of the Arapgirlizade family (recorded as “sahib-i mülk Arapgirlizadeler”); to the north, the fields belonging to the inhabitants of Uzun Mustafa village; and to the south, the fields of Yantı oğlu Hasan bin Abdullah from Darıcı village, along with a public road. These boundary descriptions situate the property within an active agricultural landscape shared among multiple landholders and communities.

The original owner of the property is listed as Arapgirlizade Rıza Bey. The Arapgirlizade family was one of the prominent local dynasties (ayan families) in the Bolu and Düzce regions during the Ottoman period. Originally migrating from the Arapgir region of Malatya in the mid-18th century, the family became highly influential in provincial administration, holding positions such as ayan, voyvoda, and tax administrator. Particularly during periods when central authority weakened, they exercised significant regional power and continued to shape local political life into the early Republican era.

The deed was issued following the death of Rıza Bey, with official documentation confirming the rightful transfer of ownership. The registered title holder is his wife, Reşide Hanım, indicating the formal recognition of her inheritance rights within the Ottoman legal framework.

The document is dated 14 Receb 1329 (Rumi), corresponding to 11 July 1911 (Gregorian), and bears revenue stamps and official seals confirming its authenticity.

For collectors, this is a particularly noteworthy piece. It combines a clear legal record of inheritance with direct association to a historically significant local dynasty. The document offers valuable insight into landholding, regional power structures, and the role of women in property inheritance during the late Ottoman period, making it highly desirable for those interested in Bolu, Düzce, and Ottoman provincial history.

Key Features:

• Type: Ottoman field title deed (one-third share)

• Date: 14 Receb 1329 (11 July 1911)

• Location: Bolu, Düzce, Cami-i Kebir Mahallesi (Orta Alan locality)

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Property Type: Agricultural field

• Ownership Share: One-third (sülüs)

• Property Size (Mikdar): 87 dönüm (atik); 31 dönüm, 24 evlek, 79 arşun (cedid)

• Original Owner: Arapgirlizade Rıza Bey

• New Owner: Reşide Hanım (wife, through inheritance)

• Transfer Reason: Issued after the death of the original owner based on official inheritance documents

• Boundaries (Hudud): East – Hacı Rıza Bey’s field and ditch; West – Arapgirlizade family field; North – Uzun Mustafa village fields; South – Yantı oğlu Hasan bin Abdullah’s fields and public road

• Historical Context: Associated with the influential Arapgirlizade ayan family of Bolu-Düzce region

• Physical Features: Revenue stamps and official seals present

• Collectible Significance: Strong relevance for collectors of Ottoman provincial history, notable families, and land records