Armeno-Turkish Letter #1
Name/Title
Armeno-Turkish Letter #1Description
This letter appears to be a formal document addressing a legal or family matter, likely related to the settlement of obligations and inheritance following the illness or death of the writer's late husband, Kevork Ağa Hovagimyan. It details how, prior to his illness, Kevork Ağa had taken certain measures, which were explained in a document from 1879. Despite the presence of the rightful heirs and signatories, the letter indicates that Kevork Ağa expressed dissatisfaction with some of his actions and clarified the matter. The letter also touches on the financial responsibilities fulfilled by Bedros Şamdancıyan, who, in accordance with a contract, made full payment for services to Garabed Ağa Gömrükçü. It is explicitly stated that there are no remaining claims or debts owed by the deceased or his heirs. The deceased had verbally acknowledged this while in full possession of his faculties, and the document serves as proof of authorization, prepared with the consent and goodwill of all parties involved. The letter concludes by emphasizing that the document stands as a record of these agreements, which have been entrusted to Garabed Ağa for safekeeping. It is dated 15/27 June 1881, signed in Asitane (the historical name for Constantinople/Istanbul), and signed by B. K. Hovagimyan, Minasyan, and İsguhi Şamdancıyan. The tone of the letter is formal, confirming that all parties have agreed to the terms outlined and understand that no further claims will be made. Curiously, the surname Şamdancıyan appears among those arrested on April 24, 1915. However, this refers to journalist, educator, and writer Mikayel Şamdancıyan, and the exact relationship between him and Bedros Şamdancıyan remains unclear. Bedros himself was mentioned as a journalist involved with the Massis newspaper.Category
Letters
Letter Details
Postmark
Date and Time of Postmark
1881Primary Language
Armeno-TurkishTranscription
My late husband and your father, Kevork Ağa Hovagimyan, during his lifetime—namely before his illness and at the beginning of it—took certain measures. Despite us, the rightful signatories and heirs, being present, and after individually informing each of you, as well as when you were all together in his presence, he expressed dissatisfaction with his own actions. He provided explanations regarding this matter, namely through a document dated 1879 when he fell ill, as stated herein. Additionally, his son-in-law, Bedros Şamdancıyan, with respect to the honorable Garabed Ağa Gömrükçü and in accordance with the terms of the contract concerning his duties, had fulfilled his responsibilities. He received the specified payment in full for the mentioned services. Furthermore, it is repeatedly and clearly affirmed that he had no remaining connection or claim of any nature or any outstanding debts. It was explicitly declared that neither he nor his heirs in any place or situation in the future shall possess the right or authority to make any claim or pursue any such matters. The deceased, while in full possession of his faculties, gave his verbal acknowledgment of this. Therefore, this document stands as proof of authorization and testimony, prepared with your consent and goodwill, and has been entrusted to the honorable Garabed Ağa for safekeeping. 15/27 June 1881 Asitane B. K. Hovagimyan Minasyan İsguhi ŞamdancıyanEthnography
Cultural Region
* Untyped Cultural Region
Ottoman EmpireCulture/Tribe
Armenian