Ottoman Residence Permit for a Greek Citizen 1916 Istanbul Document Rum Greece Galata Wine Depot
Ottoman Residence Permit for a Greek Citizen (Ecânibe Mahsus İkamet Tezkeresi) – Istanbul (1923)
Description
This Ottoman document is an Ecânibe Mahsus İkamet Tezkeresi, a residence permit issued to foreign nationals living within the Ottoman Empire. Dated 31 July 1339 (31 July 1923), it was issued to Yani Modasi, son of Gramata Modasi, a Greek citizen residing in Istanbul. His year of birth is recorded as 1901, and his nationality is explicitly listed as Greek, continuing the administrative documentation of foreign residents during a period of major political transition.
The document provides detailed personal and social information. Yani is recorded as unmarried, and his occupation is listed as a shop servant, indicating his integration into the commercial life of the city. His place of residence is given as Galata, Kürekçiler, number 31, specifically noted as a wine depot. This detail is particularly significant when compared with earlier records, where he was described as a student. Together, these documents trace a clear personal trajectory, showing his transition from education into working life within Istanbul’s economic environment.
An additional note at the bottom of the document adds an important administrative dimension. It states that Yani was exempted from a penalty due to his possession of a passport issued in Istanbul. This suggests that, during this period—coinciding with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey—foreign nationals without proper residence documentation may have been subject to fines or penalties. The presence of such a note highlights the evolving legal framework and administrative practices affecting non-Muslim and foreign communities in the city.
Bearing official seals and written annotations, this document is both historically and socially rich. It offers valuable insight into the daily life, legal status, and economic participation of Greek residents in Istanbul during the early 20th century. For collectors, it represents not only a standalone artifact but also part of a broader narrative, especially when considered alongside related documents that trace Yani’s life over time.
Key Features
• Type: Ottoman residence permit for foreign nationals (Ecânibe Mahsus İkamet Tezkeresi)
• Date: 31 July 1339 (31 July 1923)
• Location: Istanbul, Galata – Kürekçiler No. 31 (wine depot)
• Holder: Yani Modasi, son of Gramata Modasi
• Birth Year: 1901
• Nationality: Greek
• Marital Status: Unmarried
• Occupation: Shop servant
• Residence Detail: Living in a wine depot in Galata Kürekçiler
• Administrative Note: Exempted from penalty due to possession of an Istanbul-issued passport
• Historical Context: Reflects the transition period from the Ottoman Empire to the early Republic of Turkey and its administrative practices toward foreign residents
• Physical Features: Official seals and handwritten annotations present
• Collectible Significance: Companion document illustrating the later life and economic role of a Greek resident in Istanbul