A Socio-Economic Analysis in Cash Waqfs: Davudpaşa Court Records (1634-1911)

Abstract

In this article, the economic model of the cash waqfs and their contribution to the social life are studied and the registration records of Istanbul Davudpaşa Court is selected as an application area. In order to create a complete model, this study limits itself to Davudpaşa Court Records. To this extent, the cash waqfs which were approved by the Court between 1634 and 1911, are investigated from their primary sources. Firstly, 261 registered waqfs are evaluated and then 203 waqfs are selected according to the purpose of this article. All the provisions for the waqfs are converted into numerical data and then these data are examined by classifying according to their historical periods and are compared with the socio-economic conditions. Although the vakfiques are used for the researchers about the cash waqfs, the main subject is approached from financial records and hujjats of the cash waqfs. In this article, the direct usage of the vakfiques helped us to understand the reasons behind the foundation of cash waqfs and to see the scope of the charities by the cash waqfs. In addition, this article includes information about charity sandfunds and waqfs established by women. In conclusion, the basic aim of this article is to understand the general functioning, transformation and changing steps of cash waqfs specifically in Davudpaşa Court's registration for 277 years.