Ottoman 1911 Land Deed Field in Manisa Kırkağaç Armenian Quarter Title Deed Armenia

 Ottoman Tapu (Deed) – Field in the Armenian Quarter, Kırkağaç (Manisa) (1911)

Description:
This Ottoman deed, dated 24 Kanun-ı Evvel 1326 (6 January 1911 CE), documents the sale of a field located in the Armenian Quarter (Ermeni Mahallesi) of Kırkağaç, Saruhan Province (modern-day Manisa, Turkey). The fact that the quarter itself was officially called “Armenian Quarter” is historically significant, reflecting the demographic presence and importance of the Armenian community in the region during the late Ottoman period.

The owner was Sarkis, son of Köse Mıgırdiç the Çakmakçı (flintlock maker, Çakmakcıyan), an Armenian Ottoman citizen. On 25 Kanun-ı Sani 1326 (7 February 1911 CE), Sarkis sold the field to Hamyo, son of Kavata, through a “bey‘ bi’l-vefâ” contract (a conditional sale with the right of repurchase). In this arrangement, the property is sold temporarily as security for a loan or debt, with the condition that the seller may reclaim it by repaying the amount received. The deed notes that Sarkis later repaid the agreed amount, meaning the property was effectively returned to him.

At the bottom of the deed appear signatures in Armenian script. One bears the title “Muhtar-ı Sani” (Second Headman) and the name Sarkis Jamgoçyan, while the other is signed Abraham Çakmakyan. The presence of Armenian officials, including the local muhtar, demonstrates the integration of Armenians into the Ottoman administrative framework and provides valuable evidence of the community’s social role.

Key Features:

• Date: 24 Kanun-ı Evvel 1326 (6 January 1911 CE) / initial transaction 25 Kanun-ı Sani 1326 (7 February 1911 CE)

• Location: Armenian Quarter (Ermeni Mahallesi), Kırkağaç, Saruhan Province (modern Manisa, Turkey)

• Type: Agricultural land (field)

• Size: 3 dönüm 2 evlek

• Boundaries:

  • East: Derviş Mustafa’s field

  • North: Çakır Mehmed’s field

  • West: Veli Ayan’s son’s field

  • South: Road

• Owner: Sarkis, son of Köse Mıgırdiç the Çakmakçı (Armenian Ottoman citizen, Çakmakcıyan)

• Buyer (via conditional sale): Hamyo, son of Kavata

• Value: 902 kuruş

• Contract Type: Bey‘ bi’l-vefâ (conditional sale with repurchase)

• Notable Marks: Armenian-language signatures of Sarkis Jamgoçyan (Second Muhtar) and Abraham Çakmakyan

• Cultural Significance:

  • Shows the existence of an officially designated “Armenian Quarter” in Kırkağaç

  • Reflects Armenian land ownership and financial practices within the Ottoman system

  • Demonstrates the role of Armenians in local Ottoman administration, with an Armenian serving as muhtar