Ottoman Benefit Receipt Müdâfaa-i Milliye Cemiyeti 1918 Turkish War of Independence

Ottoman Benefit Receipt – Müdâfaa-i Milliye Cemiyeti, 1918

Description:
An original benefit receipt (makbuz) issued by the Müdâfaa-i Milliye Cemiyeti (National Defense League), dated 24 May 1334 (24 May 1918). The receipt records the payment of 20 kuruş by Sabit Bey in support of the society.

Founded in 1913 in Istanbul, the Müdâfaa-i Milliye Cemiyeti was one of the most significant patriotic organizations of the late Ottoman period. Established by leading figures such as Talat Bey, Midhad Şükrü, Hüseyin Cahit, and Dr. Esat, it played a vital role in mobilizing public opinion and resources. The society is regarded as a precursor to the national associations that paved the way for the Turkish War of Independence.

This receipt represents the grassroots financial contributions made by Ottoman citizens during a turbulent period, reflecting both civic participation and the rising sense of national responsibility.

Key Features:

• Type: Benefit receipt (Makbuz)

• Organization: Müdâfaa-i Milliye Cemiyeti (Society for National Defense)

• Date: 24 May 1334 (24 May 1918)

• Contributor: Sabit Bey, donating 20 kuruş

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Significance: Rare ephemera from a patriotic society that influenced the rise of the Turkish War of Independence; illustrates citizen-level financial support for national defense