Abstract:

Vesîletü'n-Necât (Path to Salvation) written by Süleyman Çelebi (d.825/1422), popularly known as Mawlid, was well received by the Ottoman society since the date it was written and was recited in various ceremonies. The Mawlid culture was transmitted from Anatolia to the Balkan geography in line with the conquest policies of the Ottoman Empire. The recitation of the Mawlid, which became a custom in a short time through pious endowments and philanthropists in Macedonian lands, was influential in many areas of social life. As a matter of fact, the recitations organized by pious endowments on the Prophet's birthday and blessed days and nights, had become a tradition in opening ceremonies, circumcision ceremonies, weddings, funerals and similar occasions in time. In the light of the data from the pious endowments, detailed information is available on issues such as when the Mawlid was recited, what was served to those attending the ceremony, and how much the Mawlidhan was paid for their duties. In this study, information on 24 pious endowments established for Mawlid services in Macedonia will be provided.

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