What Are Ottoman Title Deeds?

Ottoman title deeds, known as Sened-i Hakani or Defteri Hakani, are historical property documents issued primarily in the 19th century following the Tanzimat Reforms. These reforms marked a significant shift in the Ottoman Empire’s land ownership system by granting property rights to non-Muslims, including Christians, on equal terms with Muslims.

Before this period, private land ownership—even for Muslims—was limited, as all lands were considered property of the Sultan. The modernization efforts during Tanzimat paved the way for a formalized and secularized land registry system.

Legal Impact of Ottoman Deeds Today

Some Ottoman title deeds still carry legal significance under Turkish Law. In particular, deeds issued during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, known as Sened-i Hakani, may still be recognized. However, interpreting these documents requires expert knowledge, especially because modern cadastral systems and parcel numbers did not exist at the time.

For example, an Ottoman deed might describe a land boundary as follows:

“South-east border touches the village graveyard; north-east borders the mosque.“

Such descriptions make it essential to coordinate with legal experts and historians familiar with Ottoman Turkish and land customs.

Why Expert Assistance Is Essential

All Ottoman records are written in Ottoman Turkish using Arabic script, a language largely unreadable to the modern Turkish public. Therefore, individuals seeking to claim or investigate property left by their ancestors must work with:

• Ottoman archive researchers

• Lawyers experienced in land claim investigations

• Historians and cadastral experts

Together, these professionals can locate, interpret, and legally assess old land records.

Access to Ottoman Land Records

Lawyers in Turkey have legal rights to access Ottoman land archives, and many documents are preserved at the Ottoman Archives in Istanbul and Ankara. With the proper expertise, these records can help trace:

• Heirship claims to lands in Turkey

• Family estates based on Sened-i Hakani

• Ownership disputes involving properties from the late Ottoman period

To initiate an investigation, contact cindemir@cindemir.av.tr.