Ottoman & French 1919 Commercial Document Empire Greek Citizen German Company Istanbul

Ottoman Turkish & French Commercial Document - Match Trade between Th. Georgiadis and Karl Hornfeld & Co. (1919)

Description:
An original bilingual Ottoman Turkish and French commercial document, dated August 16, 1919, issued in Istanbul. The document was written by Th. Georgiadis, an Ottoman Greek citizen, to the German trading company Karl Hornfeld & Co.

The contract concerns the purchase of 229 cases of matches, stored in the Leblebicizade Han, with details of the purchase conditions and payment terms clearly outlined. The document also bears the name M. Michailidie, likely a business partner or associate of Georgiadis.

This piece illustrates the multicultural and commercial dynamics of late Ottoman Istanbul, where trade frequently involved diverse communities such as Ottoman Greeks and German merchants working together in an international business environment.

Key Features:

• Date: August 16, 1919

• Location: Istanbul, Ottoman Empire

• Language: Ottoman Turkish & French

• Parties Involved:

  • Th. Georgiadis (Ottoman Greek citizen)

  • Karl Hornfeld & Co. (German trading company)

  • M. Michailidie (likely partner/associate)

• Content: Agreement on the purchase of 229 cases of matches, storage in Leblebicizade Han, payment and contract terms

• Significance: A rare commercial document reflecting the economic networks and cultural diversity of Istanbul during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.