Ottoman 1916 WWI Rental Document between Armenian Citizen and Ottoman Army Armenia

Ottoman WWI Rental Document Üsküdar Properties Leased to 1st Army Inspectorate (1916)

Description:
A rare Ottoman Turkish document, dated May 18, 1332 AH (May 31, 1916 CE), concerning the lease of properties in Altunizade, Üsküdar (İstanbul) during World War I. The document details the rental of three separate properties along Selamsız Tophaneli Street:

• 3 numbered masonary shop (kargir dükkan)

• 5 numbered wooden shack (ahşap baraka)

• 9 numbered stables (ahurlar)

The properties were leased by the 1st Army, 2nd Section, 7th Transport Division (Birinci Ordu Menzil Müfettişliği, İkinci Katar, Yedinci Nakliye Manda Kolu) starting July 5, 1332 AH (July 5, 1916) for a total duration of 27 months. The document specifies the rent amounts for each property.

Of particular historical significance is that the property owners were Ottoman Armenian citizens: Madam Aranik, her son Kirkor, daughters Derik and Niktar, and the merchant Vahram Efendi, all of whom are explicitly named. This document provides insight into collaboration and transactions between Ottoman Armenian civilians and the Ottoman military during WWI, reflecting the complex social and economic interactions of the period.

The document is a valuable piece of WWI-era Ottoman administrative history, highlighting military logistics, urban property management, and the roles of minority communities in state operations.

Key Features:

• Date: May 18, 1332 AH / May 31, 1916 CE

• Lease Start: July 5, 1332 AH / July 5, 1916 CE

• Duration: 27 months

• Location: Selamsız Tophaneli Street, Altunizade, Üsküdar

• Properties: Stone shop, wooden shack, stables

• Significance: Ottoman WWI military rental record; rare evidence of Armenian property owners working with Ottoman institutions during the war

• Language: Ottoman Turkish