Trabzon Theology Journal

Abstract

This study examines the historical development of mosques in Islamic civilization and their social functions. The research focuses particularly on the endowment (waqfiyya) records of the Lâleli Mosque and Complex, which was built during an important period of the Ottoman Empire and reflects the architectural richness of the empire as one of its imperial (selatin) mosques. Throughout Islamic history, mosques have served not only as places of worship but also as centers for education, culture, and social services, with their architectural features and institutional structures evolving and changing over time. Within the scope of the research, registers in the archives of the General Directorate of Foundations were examined and the services conducted in and around the Lâleli Mosque were analyzed in detail. These services have been considered in two main categories: material and spiritual. Material services include the cleaning, lighting, maintenance, and interior arrangement of the mosque; while spiritual services include religious and educational activities such as sermons, guidance, teaching, imamate, muezzin duties, and prayers. The data obtained from the endowment records have been compared with the historical functions of mosques to examine the continuity and transformation of these institutions' social roles. The findings of the study reveal that similar types of services (worship, prayer, and education) have been maintained in imperial mosques from the Seljuk period through the Ottoman era to the present day. However, significant changes have been observed over time in the qualification requirements for mosque staff. While the qualifications sought for these officials in basic Islamic sources were generally knowledge and piety, the Lâleli Mosque endowment used the more specific term "pious scholars and expert Quran reciters." Today, more technical and documented qualifications are required, such as knowledge of advanced Quranic recitation methods (aşere, takrib, and tayyibe), or being a certified hafiz with proper pronunciation, or possessing a specialty course certificate. The research also reveals that despite hadith sources indicating that muezzins should not receive wages, the Lâleli Mosque endowment allocated wages to muezzins along with other mosque staff. In conclusion, the examination of the endowment demonstrates that the Lâleli Mosque provided more comprehensive services in terms of prayer and educational activities and had higher standards for staff qualifications than today's Category A mosques. These findings provide important data for understanding the role of Ottoman-era mosque endowments in the development of Islamic culture and civilization and the historical roots of contemporary mosque services.