When Ottoman Land Law became Greek Law The case of a land sale in Attica

Abstract

In 1831, Halil Bey and his brothers sold land in Attica to Count Baggiari, claiming inheritance from their grandmother, Fatma Hanım. However, the Greek Ministry of Finances rejected the sale due to insufficient proof of ownership, as the land was classified as miri (state land). This case highlights the complexities of applying Ottoman land law in post-war Greece, a period marked by the transition from Ottoman to Greek control. The London Protocol (1830) and the Treaty of Constantinople (1832) shaped the post-war land regime but often clashed with practical realities. The Greek administration displayed conflicting approaches, with the Ministry of Finances demanding strict adherence to Ottoman laws, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs favored pragmatic solutions. This incident underscores the broader socio-economic and political transformations of 19th-century Greece, revealing the tension between legal formalities and the need for effective governance in a post-imperial context.

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