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Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
  • Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple
Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple

Ottoman Identity Document Copy 1924 with Photograph Greek Ottoman Citizens Married Couple

$120.00

Ottoman Identity Document Copy for a Married Couple with Photographs (1924)

Description

This document is titled “Tezkire-i Osmaniye’nin Sureti,” meaning a certified copy of an Ottoman identity document. What makes this document particularly valuable and rare is that it contains photographs, which are uncommon in Ottoman-era identification records.

The document belongs to a married couple, with separate and detailed personal information recorded for both husband and wife. For each individual, the document lists parental names, place and year of birth, marital status, religious affiliation, place of residence, and nationality. Importantly, both individuals have their own photographs, making this a highly unusual and desirable example of late Ottoman civil documentation.

The religious affiliation (mezhep) of both individuals is recorded as Rum (Greek). A notable and striking feature is that not only the couple but also all listed witnesses are of Greek (Rum) origin, clearly illustrating the presence and civic documentation of Ottoman minorities during the final years of the Ottoman script.

The male individual is named Mişa Apostolidi, recorded as an Ottoman citizen of the Rum (Greek) community. He was born in Istanbul in 1277 and is noted as residing in Arnavutköy, Istanbul. His wife’s name is written as İbşi (reading uncertain due to handwriting). She was born in Istanbul in 1283, her father’s name is Kara Yannis, and her mother’s name is Foti. She is also recorded as residing in Arnavutköy with her husband.

At the lower section of the document, multiple witness statements formally attest to the accuracy of the recorded information. These witnesses include individuals with clearly Greek names. One notable example is Aristotel (Aristoteles) Nikolayidis Efendi, described as a commission agent (komisyoncu) residing at No. 20, Ayazma Street, Arnavutköy, whose handwritten signature is present.

The document bears official stamps, handwritten confirmations, and signatures, reinforcing its legal and administrative authenticity. Dated 3 July 1924, it belongs to the early Republican era but is written in Ottoman Turkish, predating the Alphabet Reform of 1928. Overall, this document is a rare and compelling example of photographic Ottoman identity records and provides valuable insight into the documentation, daily life, and minority communities of late Ottoman Istanbul.

Key Features

• Type: Ottoman identity document copy (Tezkire-i Osmaniye’nin Sureti)

• Date: 3 July 1924

• Document Feature: Dual photographic identification (husband and wife)

• Number of Persons: Married couple recorded together

• Male Name: Mişa Apostolidi

• Male Birth: 1277, Istanbul

• Male Residence: Arnavutköy, Istanbul

• Female Name: İbşi (reading uncertain)

• Female Birth: 1283, Istanbul

• Father’s Name (Female): Kara Yannis

• Mother’s Name (Female): Foti

• Marital Status: Married

• Religious Affiliation (Mezhep): Rum (Greek)

• Community Representation: All individuals and witnesses are Greek (Rum)

• Witness Example: Aristotel (Aristoteles) Nikolayidis Efendi

• Witness Address: Ayazma Street No. 20, Arnavutköy

• Authentication: Witness statements confirming accuracy of information

• Physical Features: Two photographs, stamps, signatures, handwritten text

• Historical Significance: Rare photographic Ottoman identity document reflecting minority life in late Ottoman and early Republican Istanbul

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