This is a “nüfus tezkeresi" or identity card containing all the necessa

This is a “nüfus tezkeresi" or identity card containing all the necessary information that the Ottoman state needed about its citizens. If we read from right to left, the man’s name is Mr. Ahmed Effendi, his father’s name is Sheikh Ali Qassam from the Halib neighborhood of Cebele (Jebleh) on the northern Syrian coast. Ahmed was 37 at the time the ID was issued (by the time of this file he was 45) and under his trade or profession he is listed as being a student of the sciences. His birthday is not listed but his birth year is 1273 (1856/7). His religion is Islam, and the box that is blank, intihap salahiyeti, refers to whether or not he is of age (for example for children "yoktur” is written). In the second row, eşkal refers to the individual’s physical appearance in the obvious absence of a photograph. For height (boy), medium (orta) is written. His eyes are light brown (ala), his mustache and beard are dark (kara), and for distinguishing characteristics “beyaz” or white is written. The other columns pertain to his place of residence and address. On the far left, there is note indicating that this nüfus tezkeresi is standing in place of a lost one. On the bottom is a statement indicating that the individual has been recorded in the population registry as Mr. Ahmed bin Şeyh Ali Kassam, and the title of efendi has been added. On the back,which is probably more likely to be read by an Ottoman historian than the holder of the identity, a number of rules regarding not just the identity card but by extension citizenship as well are printed. The card must be shown upon the following occassions: - Selling, leaving, or transferring immovable property - Being selected for a government post or service - Dealing with police - Receiving a visa or passport - Marriage When the tezkere cannot be furnished, the matter can be delayed until it is possible; however, the inability or refusal to show the tezkere or record oneself can result in a fine or up to a month in prison. The harshest punishment is reserved for those who are of military conscription age, who will be conscripted automatically (without draft lottery) as a result. -- source link

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