Abstract:

The waqf, which is significant to the social, cultural, legal, and economic framework of the Ottoman State, includes a variety of documents in its archives that are categorized as hurûfât, vakfiye, şahsiyet, ahkâm and tafsil as well as various funds and codes. In waqf research, they have served as the primary references. In addition to these books and documents related to waqf, Atik Şikâyet Registers (old complaint registers), one of Divân-ı Hümâyûn’s register series, complaints about waqfs, the operation of the waqf, difficulties faced by foundation officers, waqf revenues, and land disputes are just a few examples of the unique information that can be found. The 36-number Atik Şikâyet Register was used as a basis for this study’s attempt to situate this register series within the waqf research.