Cash waqfs (CWs) and financing of education at Ottoman Eexperience
Abstract
Cash Waqfs (CWs) is referred for the waqfs that have cash as capital. These waqfs were also established
like other waqfs for specific purposes. The cash that is capital of waqf is operated by Islamic methods. The
revenue derived from these methods are spent for the establishment purposes of waqf. The most important
feature of CWs is that they are standing up with operations of the cash as capital not with rental income as
real estate waqfs.
Madrasas that were one of the main institutions of the Ottoman educational system were obtaining
their needs from waqfs. Apart from this, the madrasas that were accepting aid from the state and the
philanthropists –even the Sultan- if there was need had become institutions that contribute the development
of human capital of the Ottoman State. Moreover, schools, libraries and other education institutions were
also supported by waqfs. In this study, the financial support of CWs to education system, especially founded
in Rumelia, that contributed the growth of scholars and state officials will be investigated.