The term tapu is derived from the old Turkish word tapuk, meaning “trust” or “confidence.” A tapu senedi (title deed) is a legal document issued to secure, clarify, and record permanent and independent rights over immovable property. It plays a critical role in providing legal certainty and serves as a primary piece of evidence of ownership.

Ottoman Era: The First Title Deeds

The origins of title deeds in the Ottoman Empire date back to May 21, 1847, when the regulation “Tapu Hakkında İcra Olunacak Nizamat” was enacted. This regulation required that records of deeds concerning state lands (miri arazi) be kept in the “Defterhane-i Amire Kalemi,” established within the Defterhane-i Hakan Eminliği. The issuance of title deeds through this centralized institution marked the beginning of formal land registration in Ottoman legal history.

The 1858 Land Code further systematized land registration procedures, laying the foundation for a structured property documentation system.

Tuğralı Title Deeds and Temporary Certificates

In the early stages, title deed records were sent to the central Defterhane, where tuğralı tapu senetleri (deeds bearing the Sultan’s imperial seal) were prepared. These were then sent to local offices for distribution to property holders. Until the official deed arrived, individuals were issued a temporary possession document called muvakkat ilmühaber.

This practice ended in 1909, when title deeds began to be issued directly by local land registry offices rather than the central Defterhane. This shift reflected the increasing administrative capacity of local offices and the decentralization of property registration.

Republican Period and the Dual Title Deed System

With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, land registry practices were modernized. In 1932, the dual title deed system was introduced. Under this new system, land registry offices issued deeds in duplicate:

• One copy was delivered to the property owner.

• The second copy was sent to the central archive for official record keeping.

Between 1932 and January 1, 2002, the Land Registry Archive Department stored approximately 307,341 volumes of second-copy title deeds, mortgage certificates, and mortgage cancellation documents.

Modern Archiving and Digitalization

A major administrative reform came with Article 103(b) of the Land Registry Regulation and the General Directorate’s decision dated August 6, 2001. This reform decentralized archiving by establishing regional archives. As of January 1, 2002, second-copy deeds and mortgage-related documents began to be archived in regional directorates linked to local land registry offices instead of the central archives.

Title Deeds Today: Legal Certainty and Evidence

Today, title deeds remain the most concrete and reliable evidence of ownership rights in Turkey. In the event of a legal dispute or upon official request, copies of title deeds can be issued to relevant authorities or individuals, provided that the transaction date and registration number are provided.

This evolution—from imperial possession certificates to modern, regionally archived legal deeds—reflects the transformation of property law and administration in Turkey. It embodies not only a legal but also a historical continuity, bridging the Ottoman and Republican eras and ultimately paving the way for modern digital land registry systems.