Ottoman Marriage Certificate 1917 Jewish Citizens Bursa Israel Jews

Ottoman Marriage and Population Record Certificate (Münakehat ve Vukuat İlmuhaberi) – Bursa (1917)

Description:

This Ottoman Turkish document is titled “Münakehat (Nikah) ve Vukuat İlmuhaberi,” an official certificate used in the late Ottoman period to record legally recognized marriages and related population events. Dated 20 Kanun-ı Evvel 1332 (Rumi), corresponding to 2 January 1917 (Gregorian), with an issuance date of 26 Kanun-ı Evvel 1332 (8 January 1917), the document reflects the formal registration of a marriage in Bursa.

Such documents became especially significant following the 1917 Ottoman Family Law Decree, which aimed to regulate marriage under state supervision and ensure systematic registration through population authorities. These records provided legal recognition of marriage and played a crucial role in protecting the financial and legal rights of women, including mahr (dower), alimony, and inheritance.

The groom is recorded as Sapatay, born in Bursa in 1307, identified as a member of the Jewish community, residing in Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, House No. 389. The bride is listed as Klara (Clara), born in Bursa in 1311, also of the Jewish community, residing in the same neighborhood at House No. 403. The document further includes the names of both parents for each party, featuring names such as İsak, Girson, Dona, and “Hanursi?” (reading uncertain due to the difficulty of Ottoman rika handwriting).

The presence of detailed family information reflects the administrative precision of late Ottoman civil records, particularly in documenting minority communities. The certificate confirms that the religious and official marriage was duly reported to and recorded by the relevant authorities.

The document bears revenue stamps and official seals confirming the approval and registration of the marriage. As such, it stands as both a legal instrument and a valuable social record.

For collectors and researchers, this piece offers a compelling window into the lives of Jewish Ottoman citizens in the early 20th century. It highlights the integration of minority communities into the Ottoman legal system and provides rich genealogical and social data, making it especially valuable for those interested in family history, Ottoman social structure, and Jewish community life.

Key Features:

• Type: Ottoman marriage and population record certificate (münakehat ve vukuat ilmuhaberi)

• Date of Marriage: 20 Kanun-ı Evvel 1332 (2 January 1917)

• Date of Issue: 26 Kanun-ı Evvel 1332 (8 January 1917)

• Location: Bursa

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Groom: Sapatay (born Bursa 1307; Jewish Ottoman citizen)

• Bride: Klara (Clara) (born Bursa 1311; Jewish Ottoman citizen)

• Residence: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi (House No. 389 and 403)

• Family Details: Includes names of both parents (e.g., İsak, Girson, Dona, “Hanursi?” – uncertain reading due to rika handwriting)

• Legal Context: Post-1917 Family Law framework ensuring state-registered marriages

• Function: Official confirmation and population registration of marriage

• Community Context: Ottoman Jewish community life in Bursa

• Physical Features: Revenue stamps and official seals confirming registration

• Collectible Significance: Valuable for genealogy, Ottoman social history, and Jewish community studies