Jewish family whose descendants were still around 1950s.⁵

Albert Aliotti, 1889-90 Traders / Quais, 1893-94 Traders & Dried Fruit Purchases / Quais¹. Letter franked with piastre Austrian Levant stamps of 1901.⁴ Albert Aliotti (? - 1924), married into the Spartali family (carpets), and when Oriental Carpet Manufacturers (OCM) was founded he became its General Manager, a post he held for many years.⁸

Edgar Aliotti, merchant, Djoya Han. Letter franked with 25 c ‘Sage’ overprinted 1 Piastre cancellation from the French Post Office type II.⁴ Edgar Aliotti (1868-1949) was the first husband of Marie Fidao. She then married Harold Frédéric Giraud.⁸

In 1894 the Aliotti Brothers were merchant of figs and raisins at the Quais, letter sent 1950.²

Alpagly Brothers, trade brokers. Letter franked with 2x50 lepta, posted from the Greek Post office, Smyrna.⁴

Antaki Pierre G. Fils - In 1894 a B. G. Antaki had a silk factory in Bakir Bejesten. The addressee Macchi Cesare - The Cotonificio (cotton-mill) in Gallarate (Italy) was built between the years 1897-1898.²

Arditti were a Jewish family, including a class-mate at St. Joseph in the 1950s.⁵

P.M. Astlick & Co. - 1888-89-90 Trade Agents / Djoya Han, 1891 Commission Agents & Umbrella Merchants, 1893-94 Traders & Commission Agents / Rue Franque.¹ Letter mailed from the Austrian Post Office, 1914.⁴

The Annuaire Cervati 1891 lists Fatzéa and Atzitiris (aka Adjitiri - same company?) as pharmacist and druggist in Arnaoutoglou Han 9, 11 and in Odoun Pazar, both in Barmak Capou.²

Balladur François Sons - 1893-94 Brokers (Dried Fruit), Dried Fruit Purchases, Traders & Commision Agents / Halim Aga Tsarsi 28-30. Their father, François, is mentioned as a trader in Yemis Tsarsi in the guides of 1888-89-90-91.¹ Letter date 17-08-1903, franked with 1 piastre Austrian Levant stamp and mailed from the Austrian Post office.⁴

Letter dated 2-7-1921, franked with 2x25 c type Semeuse.⁴

Either George Baltazzi (1787-1852) who had been honored with the visit of the Sultan Abdulmecid in 1850 - he was Banker married to Helen Kourmouzi, or the ‘S’ could be his son Sofokles (1830?-19O1) married to Mary Anne Iakovou. The letter is dated 15.04.1867 - so it looks like the son sent the letter.⁵

Letter sent to the Baron Antoine de Pierpont Surmont de Volsberghe (1896-1974) married to Elisabeth Guerrier de Dumast de Clinchamp Bellegarde in 1921.²

Belhomme Frères: Belhomme Bros. - 1893-94 Traders (Exporters, Dried Fruit) / Local Baltazzi.¹ There were two main firms with the name of Belhomme: Joly and Belhomme cotton merchants and traders and Belhomme & Reggio figs and raisins, opium import - export, both at the Quais.²

Contents of another letter sent in Frangochiotika, probably by the recepient of this letter.

François Armand Caporal (1883-1953) married in 1910 Amélie Caraman, daughter of Joseph, trader in Local Barry. Italian stamps 6 x 20 cents (Vittorio Emanuele III). Ink stamps of Military post (1921).²

Should be a son of Antonio Capponi: Giuseppe (1890-1959) who married in 1929 Angela Czajowska. French stamp 50 c.²

Joseph Caraman was born on January 11, 1873 and died on September 15, 1932. In 1893-94 Caraman A., J. & Co. were listed as Traders & Commission Agents in Local Barry. Letter sent 1918.²

Castor bookseller and stationer, rue Meliteon. Should be Pierre Castor who died on October 31, 1915 (letter sent in 1905).²

Jewish family, including a class-mate at St. Joseph in the 1950s.⁵

Jewish family.⁵

A. Farkoa & Cie: Antoine Farkoa & Son(s) - 1888-89-90-91-93-94 Traders & Steamboat Companies Agents “Cyprien Fabre & Cie” / Local Tenekidi, 1891 Insurance Companies Agents “Helvetia” (Fire) & “Lloyd Suisse” (Fire/Shipping), 1894 Insurance Companies Agents “Helvetia” (Fire).¹

Jacques J. Filippucci - 1888-89-90 Trade Agents / Local Ruegg, 1891 Trade & Commision Agents / Local Ruegg 4, 6, 8, 1893- 94 Traders & Commision Agents / Rue Franque¹. Franked with 10 paras (commemoration of Andrinople 1913) and 1 kuruş (50th anniversary of the city post, 1916). Cancelled with stamp type XXX.⁴

Maybe Marco Fontana, died on February 28, 1880.²

Bonaventura G. Fragiacomo, commissioner and merchant, passage S.te-Marie, died on July 31, 1910.² Bonaventura Fragiacomo was also the owner of Hotel de la Ville on the Quais, to the north of Hotel Kraemer.¹

Ant. S. Generali - Commissionnaire, local Xenopoulo.²

Umberto Antonio Maria ‘Hubert’ Giudici (Smyrna, August 25, 1886 - March 30, 1970). Very curious the change of surname to make it more close for the Turkish pronunciation (another example is Caneti for Giannetti). Stamps 7 and half k. (2nd Balkan Conference) and 12 and half k. of 1930 overprinted for the Izmir Fair of 1934 + 1 k. for the Red Crescent and 1 k. “damga” (internal revenue).²

A company envelope of C.J. Giraud & Co., Smyrna, and is probably a letter from Charlton J. Giraud (1869-1955) to his son Raymond (1893-?), dated 1922.⁸

Ralph Gout (1846-1904), son of James Gout 1815-1877 & Cléopâtra Boscoff, married to Elfrida Wilkinson, children (James Ralph Gout 1885-1972 married to Gladys Keyser 1886-1983 & Edward Ralph Gout 1892-1971 married to Anna Goluuchko & Reginald George Reggie Gout 1897-1975 married 26 October 1921 to Fernande Fanny Marie Routier 1898-1961 & F Edith Gout married to ? Griswold & Edith Gout married to René Maggiar & Lilian Gout married to Donald Whittall 1881-1959 & M Charles Gout).

Costi Haggitiris (aka Hadjitiris), jeweller in rue Franque.²

Jewish family, including a class-mate at St. Joseph in the 1950s.⁵

Icard Freres, French Levantines in Pharmacy and pharmaceutical products with descendants in Izmir and Germany.⁵

François Issaverdens - 24 Nov 1869, franked with 2x20c & 1x10c Napoleon III. Cancellations: Smyrne large numbers ‘5098’ stamp and ‘Paquebots de la Méditerranée’.⁴

There are two listed firms in the ‘Annuaire 1894’: Franci Zamafta (probably a different spelling of the same name) trader of leather in Belle Vue and François Zamafta, owner of a café ‘Stella d’Italia’ at the Quais (Pointe).²

Maybe Jean Claude Julien born on December 18, 1772 married to Maria d’Andria.²

Alfred Keun & Co. - 1893-94 Traders & Commision Agents / Local Spartali (Quais), Alfred A. Keun - 1894 Insurance Companies Agents “Alliance” (Fire/Life).¹ Alfred Auguste Keun was born on April 4, 1854, died 1928, married Virginie Amira. They were the parents of Valérie Alexandra Maria 1880-1956 who in 1901 married, later divorved Prince Livio Borghese 1874-1939.²

H. Köhler & Co.: Henri Köhler & Co - 1888 Trade Agents / Grand Vezir Han & Iron Traders / Rue Kerestedjidika, 1889-90 Trade Agents / Grand Vezir Han, 1891 Trade Agents & Commision Agents, 1893-94 Traders & Commision Agents / Local D’Andria, Rue Franque.¹

J. Kraemer café and brewery at Quais.²

Macripodari A. S. & Co. merchants figs and raisins, Inzir Tsarsi. Should be one of the following:
Natale Macripodari born on March 31, 1870 married toFanny Leon;
Nicola Macripodari married to Andromaque Hajipanao on April 20, 1901;
Nicola Mario Macripodari born on August 24, 1875 married to Léontine Jeanne Caraman on October 26, 1907 and died on April 21, 1917;
Nicola Macripodari born on January 1, 1890 married to Joséphine ARAGNI on February 14, 1915.²

Jacques I. Mainetti & Fils: Dominique & Jacques I. Mainetti - 1888-89-90 Traders / Rue Parallele, 1893-94 Traders & Commision Agents (Dried Fruit) / Quais.¹ Three cousins had this same name in about the same time. This Giacomo ‘Jacques’ Mainetti should be the son of Ignazio. Born on February 16, 1852, married to Maria Ester ‘Mery’ Balladur in 1880 and secondly to Marie Balliani on April 27, 1890 and died on June 18, 1922.²
Mainetti Italian Levantines with descendants still in Izmir.⁵

Paul Milberg: Köhler & Milberg - 1888-89-90 Trade Agents / Petit Vezir Han, Paul Milberg - 1891 Steamboat Companies Agents “Deutsche Levante Linie”, 1893-94 Trade Agents & Commission Agents / Local Barry, 1894 Insurance Companies (Fire) Agents “Hamburg - Bremen” & Steamboat Companies Agents “Deutsche Levante Linie”.¹

François Paul Missir (Smyrna January 5, 1846 – March 11, 1910), sea agent and representative of Fraissinet et Cie (Compagnie Marseillaise de navigaytion à Vapeur). In 1875 he married Hélène Corsi. French stamp 25 cents (sower woman).²

J. Müller & Co: Ignaz Müller - 1888-89-90 (years in which the entry was in the Smyrna trade Almanac) Wineries / Tepedjik, 1894 Wines & Mastic / Tepedjik, also under Traders (Exporters).¹

P. Pagy & Fils: Pagy & Sons - 1888-89-90-91 Traders / Local Aliotti, 1893-94 Traders & Dried Fruit Purchases / Local Aliotti.¹ There are still Pagy descendants in Izmir.⁵

Maybe Stefano de Portu born 21 November 21, 1879 or his uncle born on February 14, 1841. The family came to Smyrna from Chios but originating from Genova.²

Maybe Antonio Reggio born on April 9, 1850.²

Joseph C. Reggio: Joseph Reggio & Co. - 1893 Trade Agents / Barbaresque Han, 1894 Commision & Trade Agents / Local Tenekidi.¹ Giuseppe ‘Joseph’ Reggio, born in 1861, married to Maria Anna Elisabetta Filippucci on October 28, 1886 and died on April 19, 1912.²

J. Ruegg & Co. merchants and bankers in rue Franque and traders, bankers, brokers, import-export and agents of the insurance company ‘Switzerland’ in Local Ruegg. The addressee, Michel Badetti (aka Badetty) was a commissioner in Chios.²

In 1894 the Mattheysz Brothers were agents, mostly for gall-nuts, Local Phénix.²

‘Societe pour le commerce du Levant’: Tissot, Champsaur & Cie., G.J.B. Arkas - 8-5-1922 franked with 4x25f type Semeuse.⁴

Antoine Solari: Antoine Solari - 1888-89-90-91 Traders / Indjir Tsarsi, 1893-94 Traders (Dried Fruit) / Indjir Tsarsi & Grand Vezir Han.¹

Pascal Sperco & Co. manufactures, drapery, hats and gloves rue Franque. Pasquale Sperco, married to Pauline Jerisian, had a son, John (ca 1873-1914) married on January 5, 1902 to Anna Caterina Adelaide Galizzi and had two daughters, Fanny and Elisabeth ‘Laisa’.²

Reginald Edmund Turrell, born on March 19, 1879 and died on April 10, 1933.²

W.F. van der Zee , shipping and insurance agent - registered letter franked with 4x25 c & 1x10c type Semeuse, 1921.⁴

The letter was sent on November 19, 1946, two weeks after the death of Henry William Van der Zee (November 5, 1946), hence the black band.²

A.Z. Zacharoff, money changer, Grand Vizir Han. Letter franked with 1 piaste Österreichische Levant stamp, sent from the Austrian post office.⁴

Maybe the Zecchini Brothers, traders in figs and raisins, rue Parallele and Quais. Should be Pierre Zecchini married to Marie Charikiopoulo on October 18, 1896. Alternatively it is Pierre Marie Zecchini born on May 20, 1889 and married to Maria Paolina Angela Aliotti on September 20, 1918 was a trader of leather.²

Jules Zipcy (b. 29 Dec 1870, Smyrna - d. 27 Jan 1923, Istanbul) is the son of Jacob Zipcy and Eveline Molinari, and is the brother of Silvia Zipcy, the wife of Edoardo Levante. Jules was an export merchant who later on became an employee at the branch of the Ottoman Bank in Ankara. He got married to Ernestine Martinetty in 1902 at Nantes (France), and their daughter Juliette was born in 1903 in Smyrna. After his death in 1923 his wife and daughter went back to live in France.⁹

J. Belart-Lanz - Commissionnaire et négociant Suisse rue Meidandjik, Ananiadi Han 19-21 à Baghtche Capou; domicile rue des Postes 20.²

W. Boccara and G. Pesaro, agents, import and export. Italian firm, Han Alexiadi 9 in Galata. Private domiciles: Boccara, Rue Bouyouk Hendek 11 (Maison Robins); Pesaro, Rue Yazidji 12, both in Pera.²

The Dutch M. Jean Botter was the appointed tailor for the Sultan, the last one of his kind, and the firm was active approximately between 1885-1938³ - views of the art-nouveau building on Pera today.

N. J. Canello, dealer, representative of ‘The Lee Spinning Co. Ltd.’ of Manchester for sewing thread. Ottoman firm founded in 1830 by Jean Canello who died in 1882. Both sons, Nicolas and Achille, succeded but in 1889 Achille left. The firm never did change its name. Rue Hadji Kiotchek 58, Stanbul. Private domicile: Rue de Brousse 43 in Pera. Stamps 1 and 2 groschen of the North German Confederation (1868), letter sent 1871.²

Jean Canzuch (a family originally from Malta) was born on June 4, 1888 from Marc (1839-1938) and Malvina Scuto-Astlick. As his wife Marion Manvelli, Jean seems to be born in Smyrna - where his father had a pharmacy in rue Franque - but apparently later moved to Constantinople. The letter is forwarded to the care of the son[s] of S. Jacoel. This person was a commission agent with an office in Kezabdjioglou han, rue Marpoutdjilar 18, and his home was in rue Yazidji 23 (maison Asseo), Constantinople. Jean Canzuch later moved from Smyrna to Athens with his brother Louis, he was a businessman representing some foreign firms there.² - Letter sent in 1914, franked with French levant 15 c & 25 c type Mouchon.⁴ - later letter-cover

Elias Caraco, glass dealer. Riza Pacha Han, rue Fldjiandjilar Yocouchou 6, Stanbul.²

A. & V. Caraco - Stamp dealers, Grande Rue de Pera 655 (Teké). An Albert Carraco (1919-1971), maybe a grandson, was a writer, born in Constantinople of Jewish descent, he fled Turkey with his family and settled in Uruguay at the beginning of Nazi hostilities where he published his first symbolic books of poetry. He later became a fervent Catholic but decided to plan his suicide after the death of his last surviving parent which he accomplished in Paris, just several hours after the death of his father in 1971.²

There was a sign ‘Dabcovich’ in large letters visible from the sea on one of the harbour buildings in Istanbul. The family probably came from Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) in Dalmatia (Croatia), one of the Ragusan Catholic merchants that were active all over the Levant.⁶ Dabcovich have been active as shipping agents in Istanbul and Izmir until around the 70’s then retired.⁵

In his book ‘Gli Italiani di Costantinopoli’ page 60, Rinaldo Marmara states that the Company ‘Fratelli DAndria’ was created in 1845 for the export of grain.
In the Cervati directory of 1895, it states: ‘Fratelli d’Andria négociants en farine’ [dealer in flour].
The Head of the company seems to be ‘Etienne d’Andria’ Kabristan Sokak N°4 - Etienne is the French word for Stefano.
‘Stefano d’Andria’ (1834 Chios -1908 Constantinople) was a merchant living in Constantinople at that time. His address on the Italian Consulate Register is: Via Tepebachi N°8.
He was the son of Ignazio d’Andria & Maria Marcopoli of Chios. He worked with his brothers: Nicola (1839-1878), Jerolamo (1843-1912), Teodoro (1847-1880) & Michele (1849-1924).
Michele - brother of Stefano- was the owner of the Grand Hotel de Londres in Pera.
The ‘Passage d’Andria’ which existed between Pera and les Petits Champs was named after this family who apparently owned most of the buildings around.
Ignazio d’Andria was a famous ship owner whose vessels in paintings are on diplay in the Chios Maritime Museum.¹⁰

Foscolo Mango & Co., agents of steamship companies, dealers in coal and shipbrokers. Sandalgi Han, 6-10 in Galata. Stamp of French post office, sent 1910.²

Fresco Brothers, dealing in crystal and porcelain and articles for illumination; import, export, commission. Ottoman firm founded in 1884. Same named firm in Trieste, where the brothers came from, then under Austrian rule. Rue Tchitchek Bazar 7 in Stambul; private domicile Ainali Cavak in Haskeuy. Stamp of 1909 (1 pi.) with tughra of Mahmud V.² - location of A. Fresco han in Eminönü, 1941.

Gross Frères - Maybe Herman Jérôme born 1855, Jacob Théodore born 1859 and Thérèse Caroline Alexandrine born 1860.²

More information on this family:

Joseph Louis Hendle, born on March 2, 1899.²

Kölle (Ed.) - successor Ferdinand Schmidt - commission for the importation of manufactures, cloth, cotton thread, etc., export of Turkish carpets of all kinds. German firm founded in Constantinople in 1873 by Jacques Jenny and Edouard Kölle with the name Jenny and Kölle Co, changed on January 1st, 1891. Tidjaret Buyuk Han 4 in Stanbul; private domicile rue des Postes 26 in Pera. Stamps of 1909 (5 pa.) overprinted in 1915 and 1901 (1 pi.) overprinted in 1916.²

Postcard view of this hotel.

Grand Hotel de Londres - owners of the hotel were Adamopoulos and Apergis (1891), later bought by Pierre Metsis. Boulevard des Petits Champs (Rue Mezarlik 11 bis), Pera.²

Lauterjung (Hugo and Friedrich) agents and sales representatives, import and export. German based house founded in 1871. The mother house was founded in 1863, in Wald, near Solingen (Prussia) with the name Hugo Lauterjung and Hugo was the manager there. Friedrich became the manager in Constantinople. Foundouklian Han 14 to 16 in Stanbul; private domicile rue Yemenedji 5 (maison Camondo) in Pera. Stamps of 1931-1939 (30 and 100 k.), letter sent 1948.²

The Lebet Brothers in 1919 could be the heirs of the D. Lebet and son Victor, agents of insurance companies, traders, brokers, exporting products of the country and importing coffee, sugar, etc. Swiss firm founded in Constantinople in 1847, maintaining a shop of clockwork in Buttes (Switzerland), created in 1785 by David Lebet. In 1803 he associated his son Victor in the firm whose name has never changed despite several associated and family members succeeding in time. In 1878, Mr. Alphonse Lebet, grandson of David was the sole owner of the firm. Yacoub Han Mertébany Street, Galata. Watch supplies, Tchohadji Han 53, 55, Grand Bazaar, Stanbul. Private domiciles: D. Lebet, rue Rabristan 40 and Caesar Lebet rue Nadir 30, both in Pera.²

Lesto (Theodore G.) et Cie commissionnaires rue Eski Balek Bazar, Kourchoum Han 33, 34; domicile rue Yazidji 56.²

The Levant Iron and Machinery Co. Ltd was an amalgamation of George Chisnell and Co. and the Iron and Machinery Dept. of J.W. Whittall and Co. Ltd. It commenced its activities in 1920 importing agricultural and other kinds of machinery and of metals. Later it also imported marine motor engines for light craft from Sweden. It also introduced artesian well boring in Turkey. For economy sake this company was closed down in 1937 and its business continued by J.W. Whittall and Co. Ltd. under the management of Mr. Chisnell - source:

Maurice H. Marcus employed in the factory of the ‘Régie des tabacs’. Rue Chiche-Hane 28, Pera. Stamps: 4 x 1and half pi. of the ordinary set of 1915.²

Mayer (A.) et Cie habillements confectionnes rue Balek Bazar 77 et place du Tunnel.²

Possible family group photo of this same family.

Parma (Ant.) fondé de pouvoirs de la maison A. Seefelder (commissionnaire rue Balek Hane, Essayan Han).²

‘Reich Office for vegetables & fruit’ - Representative of the German firm (this and similar Italian / Ottoman designation used in the various ‘Annuaire Oriental’, possibly related to the membership of the Chamber of Commerce of the country) in Constantinople. Stamps of 1905 (1 pi.) and 1892 (10 pa.) overprinted in 1915.²

Rittershaus (Otto), agent and merchant, importing manufactured goods, linens, hardware, glass, etc. German firm founded in 1863 by Otto Rittershaus who died in 1886, succeeded his son Fritz maintaining the same name for the firm. Foundouklian Han 12, 13 in Stanbul; private domicile impasse Marangos in Pera. Stamp of Austrian post office.²

A G. Schembri was a ship broker, rue Gueumruk 54, Galata. The prince Valdina was of the Family Papé who bought the title from the Valdina Family. Not stamped but with the postmark (in Italian) ‘Piroscafi postali francesi’ (French post steamships), sent 1866.²

J. Widmann, banker and trader, export, import, commission, representation, collections, recoveries. German firm founded in 1888. Gibraltar Han, 16, 18, 20, rue Saka Tchechmé, Stanbul; private domicile: rue Agha 1, Pera. Letter sent 1896.²

Zacharoff Zacharie - Born on October 6, 1844.²

Zehnder (J.U.) tea merchant based at rue Tchakmakdjilar Yocouchou 33, Bouyouk Yeni Han 34.²

More information on this family.

L.J. Missir & Cie Samos – Leon Emmanuel-Marie Joseph Missir born in Samos on March 13, 1857 and died there on May 8, 1924, trader, consular agent of France in Samos.²

This is the first company under this family name, Giuseppe Levante was born in Cyprus, died 1896 in Alexandretta, and this card was sent in 1938 when the city was neither Syrian or Turkish, for one year, awaiting a referendum. There were 2 other family named companies, one in Mersin called Emilio Levante Succ. after my grandfather Emilio Levante and the one in Iskenderun called Alfredo Levante and Son who was one of Giuseppe’s sons.⁷

From the Cervati “Annuaire” and the “Arbre généalogique de la Famille Missir” by Livio Missir: Jacques A. Missir, son of Alexandre (1812-1890) and Christine Sapet (1826-1907) was born in Smyrna in September 1852 and died in Thessaloniki on July 18, 1919, was vice-consul of England and France in Dedegatch (Sandjak d’Adrianople/Edirne) where he was a commission merchant, trader and also the agent of Ottoman lighthouses. In Thessaloniki became vice-consul of Portugal. On September 5, 1875 he got married to his cousin Marie-Louise Sapet, also from Smyrna and daughter of Joseph and Eulalie d’Andria. She died in Cannes in 1932.
Stamps of the French post office of Dedeagh: 5 pi. type Blanc and 2 x 10 pi. type Mouchon modified.²

Indicateur Commercial of Smyrna research on the above firms courtesy of George Poulimenos, marked by the ¹.
Additional research by Guido Buldrini marked by the ²
Additional information by Teddi Dols marked by the ³
Additional information by Jean Ozmirza marked by the ⁴
Additional information by Alex Baltazzi marked by the ⁵
Additional information by Andrew Mango marked by the ⁶
Additional information by Billy Levante marked by the ⁷
Additional information by Jean-Pierre Giraud marked by the ⁸
Additional information by Catherine Saiko marked by the ⁹
Additional information by Marie Anne Marandet marked by the ¹⁰

List of available letters for analysis | examples of businesss letters: Rankin & Demas, Walter Seager Company | examples of shares