Abstract:

The foundations, one of the richest and most influential institutions of the Islamic law, are the leading among the institutions that have played an important role in the social, cultural and economic life of Turkish history. The foundation institution reached a peak with the Ottoman State; the imperial territories were equipped with foundation structures from one end to the other. Foundations existed in every area and provided great services in the Ottoman State. Among these are the foundation institutes that responded to the social and religious needs such as road, bridge, fountain, mosque, lodge, school, madrasah, hospital, hospice. Apart from these, there were cash foundations which had a very important place in meeting the financing requirements of the community and public institutions. In this study, it has been tried to give information about the development process, operating methods of the cash foundations--an institution unique to the Ottoman society--and discussions on money foundations.

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