Name/Title
Ottoman Armenian Document #61Scope and Content
August 19, 1902 – Evdokia (Tokat)
To Garabed Effendi Shahinian Sepasdia (Sivas)
Dear brother,
I hope that you are well and in good health. As for the rest, thanks be to the Benefactor (God), by whose grace we are at peace.
My husband has still not arrived. We intend to move to Amasia upon his arrival. It is likely that he will return here within one month and then take the household home.
I express my deepest gratitude for the sympathy and affection shown toward our Mr. Yervant, which you demonstrated in practical ways over the course of about three years, and through financial assistance you greatly helped us. He himself keeps, and will continue to keep, fresh in his heart the affection shown toward him, and hopes to repay, insofar as he is able, even materially and financially.
Now there remains one and a half years of his term/service [unclear phrase]. My dear one, if possible, please help as you have done before, whether by the same amount or less. Whatever you wish [to give], that money goes toward his practical necessities and lawful needs and wants. He does not squander it or waste it unlawfully. Rather, his mind is devoted to his studies/formation (?) and to his bodily necessities.
From the heart, I ask: whatever you may wish or desire, please be gracious, whether little or much. I entrust it to your conscience. [So that] he may return satisfied and happy; otherwise, he will return sorrowful. If it is so, [unclear phrase about how he returns], I entrust it to your good will.
The opening of his school is very near; in a day or two from now (23 August), this Monday or Tuesday, he will set out on the journey to come there. Once you arrange this matter with your usual love and conscience, he will return again within a day or two, for the time of the opening has arrived.
As much as possible, arrange and send whatever accords with your wishes and intentions, for he has come solely for this purpose.
Accept my love and the greetings of a sincere aunt, and please convey them to Grandmother Maryam, to M… and Madam Armaven, to Mihran Effendi. Kisses to the little ones.
Your (paternal) aunt,
Esther [surname/signature unclear]
P.S.
Please send it here as soon as possible, so that he may also put in order the affairs and necessities here before setting out on his journey.
Believe me, he approaches you with great fear and respect; he does not dare to ask, nor to trouble or inconvenience you on this matter. But you know that your gifts will help build his future.
My dear, I leave this to your will and conscience. Have mercy and be generous. (same)Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Shahinian CollectionCreate Date
May 25, 2026Update Date
June 10, 2026
