Ottoman Identity Document 1906 İstanbul Muslim Colonel Citizen Caucasus

Ottoman Identity Document (Tezkire-i Osmaniye) – Colonel (Miralay) İzzetli Osman Nuri Bey (Istanbul, 1906)

Description:
An authentic Ottoman identity certificate (Tezkire-i Osmaniye) issued to İzzetli Osman Nuri Bey, a military officer (Miralay – Colonel) serving in the Asâkir-i Şahane (Imperial Army). The document is dated 16 Ağustos 1322 (29 August 1906) and bears official Ottoman fiscal stamps and seals.

The Tezkire-i Osmaniye was the official form of identification used in the Ottoman Empire, containing essential personal data such as the holder’s name, parentage, birthplace, religion, physical features, occupation, and address. It served as both a civil and legal proof of identity and was widely known as “kafa kağıdı” (head paper), since men folded and carried these documents inside a small pocket sewn into their fez. During inspections, officers would demand, “Kafa kağıdını çıkar!” (“Take out your head paper!”), reflecting its deep integration into daily Ottoman life and social control.

In this case, Osman Nuri Bey’s father is listed as the late Canbulat, and his mother as the late Beylaş? (partially unclear). He was born in the Caucasus in 1269 (1852–1853 CE) and identified his religion as Muslim. His occupation (sanat) section states:

“Asâkir-i Şahâne Miralaylarından, Levazımat-ı Umumiye Lahm (Et) Komisyonu Reisi,” meaning “One of the Colonels of the Imperial Army, Head of the General Supplies Meat Commission.”

This position indicates his role within the Ottoman military logistics department, responsible for provisioning and supply management specifically, overseeing the distribution of meat supplies (lahm) to military units.

His physical description is noted as:

• Height: Medium

• Eye Color: Hazel (Ela)

• Complexion: Fair (Beyaz sima)

His residence is recorded as Istanbul (Asitane), Alaca Mescid Caddesi, No. 22. Although the document shows signs of wear and preservation repairs (taped sections), it remains legible and complete, maintaining its historical integrity and authenticity.

Key Features:

• Document Type: Tezkire-i Osmaniye (Ottoman Identity Certificate)

• Holder: İzzetli Osman Nuri Bey

• Father’s Name: Müteveffa (deceased) Canbulat

• Mother’s Name: Müteveffa (deceased) Beylaş?

• Birthplace and Year: Caucasus, 1269 (1852–1853 CE)

• Religion (Millet): Muslim

• Occupation: Miralay (Colonel) in the Imperial Army; Head of the General Supplies Meat Commission (Levazımat-ı Umumiye Lahm Komisyonu Reisi)

• Physical Features: Medium height, hazel eyes, fair complexion

• Residence: Istanbul (Asithane), Alaca Mescid Street, No. 22

• Date of Issue: 16 Ağustos 1322 (29 August 1906)

• Material: Ottoman official paper, printed and handwritten, with seals and fiscal stamps

• Condition: Weak; shows repair tape and handling wear, but text and seals remain legible

• Historical Context:

  • Reflects the Ottoman military bureaucracy during the final decades of the empire.

  • Demonstrates how senior officers were documented and identified in civil records.

  • Offers insight into the organization of army logistics, particularly the provisioning of food to troops.

  • A remarkable example of a high-ranking Ottoman officer’s identity document, combining both military and civil significance.