OTTOMAN HANDWRITTEN DOCUMENTS IN ADJARA

NUGZAR MGELADZE; ZAZA SHASHIKADZE; TEMUR TUNADZE

NUGZAR MGELADZE Doctor of History, Professor at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. 32/35 Rustaveli/Ninoshvili st. Batumi, 6010, Georgia http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8335-6042
ZAZA SHASHIKADZE Doctor of History, Professor at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. 32/35 Rustaveli/Ninoshvili st. Batumi, 6010, Georgia. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5406-577X
TEMUR TUNADZE Doctor of History. Professor at Tbel Abuserisdze Teaching University. Khitchauri, 6309, Shuakhevi Municipality, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0008-1502-7042

Abstract

This study revolves around Ottoman-language handwritten documents, offering key insights derived from extensive research in this field. The majority of these manuscripts find preservation within the familial archives of the Adjara population, displaying a remarkable diversity in content that spans various facets of family life. These documents cover a wide spectrum, encompassing records related to marriage, divorce, real estate distribution, transactions like purchases, sales, and mortgages, as well as a range of certificates, receipts, trade permits, and other relevant documents. Additionally, the collection includes correspondence among family members and letters from Muhajirs, providing a comprehensive view of familial relationships and social interactions.

To comprehensively explore the diverse subjects covered in these handwritten documents, the research adopts interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating historical, ethnological, cartographic, and linguistic methodologies. Specific examples highlighting the intricacies of translating Ottoman-language handwritten texts are also presented, adding a linguistic dimension to the study.

Keywords: Adjara, Ottoman manuscript, document, history, toponymy, spragistics, family, property.