ISSN: 0041-4255
e-ISSN: 2791-6472

Methiye Gül Çöteli̇

Keywords: Waqf institution, urban space, spatial distribution, built urban environment, urban knowledge, navigation, historical commercial zone, bazaar

Abstract

The major aim of this research is to examine the impact of waqfs on built urban environment in terms of formation and development, and to spatialize the urban knowledge obtained from the waqfi yas. In particular, the study will trace the infl uence of waqfs on the creation and sprawl of the historical commercial zone of Kayseri, in Turkey. The research is based on waqfi yas and maps during the Ottoman period. The resulting maps and tables highlight commercial real estate of waqfs in the city. The fi ndings of the study indicate that waqfi yas which can be used as a navigational tool are the subjective cartography of the built environment both in urban and rural areas.