Palestine, Nablus, Population Registers, 1881-1917 فلسطين٫ نابلس، دفاتر النففوس العثمانية٫ ١٨٨١-١٩١٧

What is in This Collection?

This collection contains an index and image of Ottoman census and population registers (Nüfūs Registers) for the city and governate of Nablus in the Palestine. The first sicil-i nüfūs niẓāmnāmesi (population registry ordinance) was issued in 1881, and over the following decade a comprehensive census was conducted throughout the Ottoman Empire.[1] Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Reading These Records

These records are written in Ottoman Turkish, which used an Arabic-derived script and incorporated many words from Arabic and Persian. Most of the personal, familial, and place names in the registers are Arab.

The handwriting of the scribes who wrote the registers presents and additional challenge to understanding these records. Common Names in the Ottoman Nufus Defteri Records (PDF) is a detailed but unexhaustive guide of common personal names in the records. It includes images of sample handwriting to assist in identifying these names elsewhere in the registers.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

• Person's name
• Age or birthdate
• Birthplace
• Parent's names

Collection Content

Sample Images

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  Nablus (District) Early population register no. 352 - Moslem 1881