Ottoman Petition 1921 Concerning a Judicial Auction in Istanbul Greek Citizen

Ottoman Petition Concerning a Judicial Auction in Istanbul (1921)

Description

This Ottoman-era petition is dated 1 June 1337 (1 June 1921) and was addressed to the Beyoğlu Second Clerk (Beyoğlu İkinci Kâtip Cevab-ı Âlisi). The document constitutes a formal objection and protest regarding a judicial auction process in Istanbul during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

According to the petition, three gardened shops numbered 23, 25, and 27, along with a residential house numbered 5 located above these shops, were jointly owned (müştereken mutasarrıf) by Regimental Imam Hafız Halil Efendi and others. These properties were situated in Istanbul, Ayvansaray, Atik Mustafa Paşa Quarter, on Lonca Street. The properties were put up for sale by public auction (müzayede), scheduled to take place on Sunday, 22 May 1337 (22 May 1921).

The petitioner states that he attended the auction at the Eyüp Magistrate Court (Eyüp Sulh Mahkemesi), placed a bid, and won the auction with an offer of 3,815 kuruş. Despite having the full payment ready, the court allegedly refused to accept the money. As a result, this petition was submitted as a formal protest and objection against the court’s refusal to complete the transaction.

The petitioner is identified as Apostol Apostolidis, residing at the Fez Makers’ Establishment (Fesçiler Mekânı), No. 159, Kabristan Street, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu. A particularly striking aspect of the document is that the signature is written in Greek (Rumca), clearly illustrating the multicultural and multiethnic character of Istanbul at the time. The petition provides a rare example of a Greek (Rum) citizen’s legal dispute with Ottoman judicial authorities.

The document bears official revenue stamps, signatures, and seals, confirming its legal and administrative authenticity. It offers valuable insight into property law, auction procedures, and the everyday bureaucratic experiences of non-Muslim Ottoman citizens in early 20th-century Istanbul.

Key Features

• Type: Ottoman petition / legal protest document

• Date: 1 June 1337 (1 June 1921)

• Addressed To: Beyoğlu Second Clerk (Beyoğlu İkinci Kâtip)

• Location of Property: Ayvansaray, Atik Mustafa Paşa Quarter, Lonca Street, Istanbul

• Property Details: Three gardened shops (Nos. 23, 25, 27) and one residential house (No. 5)

• Auction Authority: Eyüp Magistrate Court (Eyüp Sulh Mahkemesi)

• Auction Date: 22 May 1337 (22 May 1921)

• Winning Bid Amount: 3,815 kuruş

• Petitioner: Apostol Apostolidis (Greek / Rum citizen)

• Signature: Greek (Rumca) signature

• Cultural Significance: Demonstrates Istanbul’s multiethnic and multicultural social structure

• Physical Features: Official revenue stamps, seals, and handwritten signatures

• Historical Importance: Reflects late Ottoman legal procedures and non-Muslim citizens’ interaction with state institutions