Ottoman Residence Permit for a Greek Citizen 1916 Istanbul Document Rum Greece Galata

Ottoman Residence Permit for a Greek Citizen (Ecânibe Mahsus İkamet Tezkeresi) – Istanbul (1916–1918)

Description

This Ottoman document is an Ecânibe Mahsus İkamet Tezkeresi, a residence permit issued to foreign nationals living within the Ottoman Empire. Dated 8 July 1332 (21 July 1916), it was issued to Yani, son of Aristonli, a 20-year-old Greek citizen residing in Istanbul. The document explicitly records his nationality as Greek, providing a clear example of the administrative categorization of foreign communities in the late Ottoman period.

The permit includes detailed personal information, noting that Yani was unmarried and living in Galata, on Aralık Street, at house number 14. His occupation is listed as a student, and due to his status, he is recorded as being registered under his father. One of the most distinctive aspects of the document is the inclusion of an eşgal (physical description) section, which offers a vivid portrayal of the individual: tall in stature, wheat-complexioned face, hazel eyes, brown eyebrows, and a light brown moustache. Such detailed descriptions were a standard but highly valuable feature of Ottoman identification documents, making them especially appealing to collectors today.

A later official annotation adds further historical depth to the document. On 8 June 1334 (2 June 1918), a note was appended stating that the permit had become invalid, as the holder was no longer residing at the registered address. His new recorded location is given as a wine depot (şarap deposu) at number 31 in Galata Kürekçiler. This update not only reflects the mobility of foreign residents in Istanbul but also provides a rare glimpse into everyday urban and economic life during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

Bearing official seals and signatures, this document is both administratively complete and historically rich. It stands as a collectible piece that illustrates the presence of Greek citizens in Istanbul and their role within the city’s social and economic fabric. For collectors and researchers, it offers a compelling narrative that extends beyond a single moment, especially when considered alongside related documents from later years that trace Yani’s life and changing circumstances. We have one more document related to him, please search for Residence Permit on our website to see the other document. 

Key Features

• Type: Ottoman residence permit for foreign nationals (Ecânibe Mahsus İkamet Tezkeresi)

• Date: 8 July 1332 (21 July 1916)

• Annotation Date: 8 June 1334 (2 June 1918)

• Location: Istanbul, Galata – Aralık Street No. 14 (initial address)

• Later Address: Galata Kürekçiler, No. 31 (wine depot)

• Holder: Yani, son of Aristonli

• Age: 20

• Nationality: Greek

• Marital Status: Unmarried

• Occupation: Student

• Registration Status: Recorded under his father

• Physical Description (Eşgal): Tall; wheat complexion; hazel eyes; brown eyebrows; light brown moustache

• Administrative Note: Permit later invalidated due to change of residence

• Historical Context: Reflects the presence and mobility of Greek citizens in late Ottoman Istanbul

• Physical Features: Official seals and signatures present

• Collectible Significance: Rare identification document offering insight into foreign residency and urban life in the Ottoman Empire