Turkey Military Records

Asia Turkey

Military Head Tax Register [Cizye Defter]
Research use: These records provide an early listing of names and probably age and residence of a significant portion of the male population; may provide some lineage linking information if sons are listed with fathers.

Record type: A register of those who paid the military head tax [cizye]. This tax was levied on all non-Muslims in place of military service. It is not possible to determine specific information about these records without on-site investigation.

Time period: 1551-1840.

Contents: Lists of cizye payers with accompanying documents and receipts. The lists may include a comprehensive listing of Christian and Jewish males throughout the Ottoman Empire; probably providing ages and residences. There are apparently 418 volumes; (the source of this number is unknown).

Location: National Archives [Babakanlk Arivi] in Istanbul; also referred to as the Prime Ministry Archives.

Population coverage: 5 to 6%. Apparently includes only non-Muslims. Because this is a record of taxation there may be a portion of the non-Muslim population who evaded registration.

Reliability: Probably good.