Rare 1849 Ottoman Financial Document – Messrs Alleon & Baron Simon G. Sina
This remarkable financial receipt, dated August 20, 1849, originates from Vienna and is addressed to Messrs Alleon, a well-known financial firm deeply involved in Ottoman-European trade and banking. The document acknowledges a payment of 975 florins, 13 kreuzers on behalf of the Ottoman government for the expenses of sworn officers, facilitated by Baron Simon G. Sina, a leading Austrian banker of Greek descent who played a key role in financing Ottoman projects.
Messrs Alleon, a prominent banking house, was instrumental in handling Ottoman financial affairs, particularly in managing debt, currency exchange, and state transactions in the 19th century. Their close ties with European banking elites, including Sina, highlight the deep economic interdependence between the Ottoman Empire and Western financial institutions.
The document features elegant French cursive handwriting alongside Ottoman Turkish in Arabic script, underscoring its official nature. It also bears an embossed seal and the signature of Baron Sina, further affirming its authenticity.
French: "I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Simon G. Sina has paid, by your order and on behalf of the Ottoman government, the sum of 975 florins, 13 kreuzers, for the expenses of the sworn officers. Please acknowledge receipt."
Arabic: Confirms the transaction details, reinforcing its official nature.
A rare and historically significant piece of Ottoman-European financial history, ideal for collectors of antique banking documents and Ottoman financial ephemera.
