Iğdır Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi

Abstract

Foundations, which were significant social and religious institutions in the Ottoman Empire, played various roles in social life and contributed significantly to public welfare. The subject of our study, the "Zürri/Evlatlık" (Lineage/Adopted) foundations, occupied a prominent place within this institution. These foundations were established by high-ranking state officials as well as landowners from the general populace. The management (tevliyet) and revenues of the foundation were allocated to the descendants of the founders. This study attempts to reveal both the issues related to the distribution of the foundation's income among the heirs and the management of the foundation, as well as the benefits it provided to the public over approximately two centuries. Despite meticulously kept records, the disputes that arose among the heirs of the foundation are examined. By investigating the management gaps that emerged, the study highlights how the rightful claims were adjudicated by higher authorities in accordance with the foundation's deed, supported by signed and certified testimonies of witnesses. The study also delves into the main disputes, particularly regarding the transfer of management rights (tevliyet), the distribution of the foundation's revenues, and the problems arising from delays in sending revenues to the Evkaf (foundation administration) accounts, along with the inspection processes involved in resolving these issues. Initially, during the Ottoman Classical period, these disputes were handled by the Inspectorate of the Haremeyn Ministry, but after the establishment of the Evkaf-ı Hümayun Nezareti (Imperial Ministry of Foundations), they were managed by the Evkaf Inspectorate Office under this ministry.