An Archive Treasure in Cyprus: The Ottoman Şer’i and Evkaf Registry of Cyprus
(53rd Annual Meeting of the PIAC, St. Petersburg 2010)
Kadis, as representatives of justice, used to register all aspects of social, economic, political and military life at the regions where they were appointed, to Şeri Registrations.
In Cyprus also, as from 1571, after the conquest of the island, Şeri and Evkaf registrations were kept properly.
This treasure, forms a reliable source, which is not limited to historical happenings but also to various human studies fields, covering the periods before and afther 16th century.
Based on these Registrations, 250 volumes of cataloque were produced as a result of two years work of 100 archive experts.
In this regard Şeri Court Registrations and Evkaf Registry Books were translated into Latin alphabet, transcripted registrations were enumerated and meaningful summaries were made.
In my paper, the above-mentioned Şer’i Registrations and Evkaf (foundation) Registry Books will be discussed in a large format.